Hampshire's young fast bowler, Sonny Baker, has been praised for his exceptional talent, with a 'huge ceiling' predicted for his career. The 23-year-old took five wickets in Hampshire's recent County Championship match against Somerset, finishing with 5-62 from 17 overs. Although his efforts were not enough to secure a win for his team, Baker's performance has further strengthened his case for an England call-up.
Hampshire captain Ben Brown expressed his admiration for Baker, stating, 'He's been brilliant all game and all season, and I think he has a huge ceiling as a bowler.' Baker's ability to bowl at speeds of over 90 mph has made him a formidable opponent, particularly for tailenders. His current form could lead to a first England Test call-up against New Zealand on June 4. Baker's previous experience in international cricket was less successful, struggling in his one-day international debut against South Africa and his T20I debut against Ireland.
However, a successful 2025 Hundred tournament for Manchester Originals had put him on England's radar, and he was awarded a one-year central contract in November, indicating that he remains a contender for the national team.