England have named 22-year-old pace bowler Sonny Baker in their first one-day international squad against South Africa, with Headingley in Leeds set to host the opener on Tuesday.
Baker arrives on the back of a standout Hundred campaign for Manchester Originals, where he claimed nine wickets in seven matches and frequently bowled at around 90mph, showing especially dangerous skill with the new ball. The Hampshire quick’s rapid ascent continued this year when he made his first-class debut for England Lions against Australia A in Sydney earlier in the season.
Captain Harry Brook highlighted Baker’s eye-catching form, recalling how his spells to Kane Williamson and David Warner for London Spirit, and to Steve Smith and Jonny Bairstow for Welsh Fire, turned heads. “All four are world-class batters and he was all over them. He bowled with high pace and high skill. He was awesome to watch this year and everyone was talking about him,” Brook said.
Baker linked up with England for the first time on Sunday and trained again on Monday in Leeds. The players who featured in Sunday’s Hundred final were not with the squad yet, but Joe Root and Will Jacks have been included in the XI. Brook explained that it would have been ideal to assemble a group training session, but added, “Everybody’s raring to go and loving playing for England.”
England’s pace stocks are strengthened by Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, who are both included after missing the final Test against India in July. Archer, in particular, is back in ODI action for the first time since March’s Champions Trophy.
The Leeds fixture begins a three-match ODI series against the Proteas, which is then followed by three T20s.
What this means for England: Baker’s inclusion signals faith in a fast, aggressive bowling option who can trouble international batters with both pace and skill. If he can translate his Hundred form to the 50-over format, England will have extra firepower to complement their experienced seam attack.
Overall, this selection adds a youthful spark to England’s bowling group and keeping their options open ahead of the busy international schedule ahead. It’s a positive step for Baker and England’s evolving pace roster, with a strong chance to make an immediate impact at Headingley.
Summary: Sonny Baker is set to make his England ODI debut against South Africa at Headingley, bringing high pace and impressive form from The Hundred. He joins a fast-bowling unit that includes Archer and Carse, with the series starting in Leeds and continuing into three T20s. Negative: none.