Rising Star Sonny Baker Makes England ODI Debut vs South Africa

Fast bowler Sonny Baker is set to make his England debut in the first one-day international against South Africa at Headingley on Tuesday, Sport360NG reports.

The 22-year-old impressed in The Hundred, taking nine wickets in seven matches for Manchester Originals and consistently bowling at speeds around 90mph. Baker, known for his threat with the new ball, has quickly emerged as one of England’s most exciting pace prospects.

This represents another step in a rapid rise for the Hampshire pacer, who made his first-class debut for England Lions against Australia A in Sydney earlier this year.

England captain Harry Brook highlighted Baker’s performances against top-tier batsmen in The Hundred, including Kane Williamson, David Warner, Steve Smith, and Jonny Bairstow. “All four are world-class batters and he dominated them,” Brook told BBC Sport. “He bowled with pace and precision. He was outstanding to watch this year, and everyone has been talking about him.”

Baker joined the England squad for the first time on Sunday and participated in a light training session on Monday morning in Leeds. Players who competed in Sunday’s Hundred final were not present, as they traveled from London, but Joe Root and Will Jacks are set to feature in the starting XI.

Brook acknowledged the unusual preparation schedule but said the squad is eager to play. “Ideally, we would have met up and trained as a group, but nobody is short of cricket,” he said. “Everyone is raring to go and loving representing England.”

Fellow fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, who missed England’s final Test against India in July, are also included. For Archer, it will be his first ODI since the Champions Trophy in March.

The ODI in Leeds kicks off a three-match series against South Africa, which will be followed by three T20 internationals. England’s XI for the first ODI is: Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Sonny Baker.

Baker, who joined Hampshire from Somerset last summer, has already made an impact with two five-wicket hauls in six County Championship matches this season. However, The Hundred has been his breakout platform, highlighted by a hat-trick against Northern Superchargers, as well as standout spells against London Spirit and Welsh Fire.

Having battled back issues earlier in his career, Baker told BBC Sport that he now drinks “bone broth” daily to help protect against further injuries.

Brook praised Baker’s skills, adding: “He’s got me out before in The Hundred a few years ago. He can swing it both ways and has excellent death bowling skills. To have him opening tomorrow is fantastic.”

This series marks Brook’s second as England’s full-time white-ball captain, following a clean sweep against West Indies earlier in the summer. Looking ahead, England are already preparing for the 2027 50-over World Cup and the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next February.

“We’re trying to build an environment with a long-term goal, similar to what Eoin Morgan did when he took over,” Brook said. “South Africa presents a different challenge compared to West Indies, and we need to assess situations and execute our skills to the best of our ability.”