Hampshire pace bowler, Sonny Baker, who has yet to make his County Championship debut, has been given a development contract by the ECB following a successful tour of Australia with England Lions.
The contract will run until the start of September this year, and comes off the back of an impressive spell in Australia. Baker took eight wickets across the two first-class matches he played for the Lions in Australia, including 4-43 in Queensland.
During the tour he caught the attention of Lions coach and England great Andrew Flintoff, who said of Baker: “He and I are very different in character and personality, but it has been a delight to see the pride he takes in wearing the Three Lions, the energy he brings to every ball, and the theatre and magic he creates on the pitch.
“His professionalism and dedication to every aspect of his game are an example to all. Sonny has a bright future ahead, and we look forward to continuing to work with him and Hampshire over the coming years.”
Baker will join the likes of Josh Hull and John Turner, who also currently hold England Development contracts. Aged 21, Baker has long been touted as a player of high potential. He signed his first professional contract in 2021 with Somerset, after making his debut in that year's One Day Cup. He took three wickets on debut against Derbyshire, and took 10 wickets across eight matches in the competition.
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Following his 50-over success, Baker was called-up to The Hundred to play for Trent Rockets in 2021, as a replacement for Luke Wood. Later that year, he was named in England's squad for the 2022 U19 World Cup, but was subsequently ruled-out with a back injury.
He played for Southern Brave in the 2022 edition of The Hundred, before being selected as a wildcard pick by Manchester Originals in 2024. At the end of last season, Baker signed for Hampshire, having made 12 appearances for Somerset since signing in 2021.
While Baker boasts impressive numbers from the limited number of professional games he has played so far - a best of 6-46 coming in 2022 against Durham in the One Day Cup - he has yet to make his debut in the County Championship.
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