One of the most exciting parts of a county season is watching the emergence of previously unknown players. Before the 2021 season has even properly got begun, Somerset’s 18-year-old quick Sonny Baker has already created quite the buzz.
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Baker, who only signed for Somerset’s academy in late 2020, took 3-22 in a pre-season red-ball warm-up game against Worcestershire.
All three of Baker’s wickets were of seasoned county professionals; Jake Libby (who was one of the leading run-scorers in the 2020 Bob Willis Trophy), Brett D’Oliveira and Ben Cox. Baker’s performance helped Somerset bowl Worcestershire out for just 116. In his spell, Baker regularly hurried the Worcestershire batsmen with notable in-swing and speed impressive for a bowler so young.
A clip of Baker’s performance excited fans of county cricket on social media. At the time of writing, highlights of Baker’s performance have been viewed over 27,000 times on Twitter.
You can watch the clip here:
Introducing Sonny Baker, @SomersetCCC‘s new 18-year-old quick.
Baker took 3-22 yesterday for Somerset against Worcestershire in a pre-season friendly. #CountyCricket2021pic.twitter.com/UOZeSfI3ow
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 30, 2021