Sonny Baker, the 23‑year‑old fast‑bowler who represents Hampshire, has been described as a player with "an enormous ceiling" after he once again turned heads with a five‑wicket haul in the County Championship match against Somerset. In the second innings Baker delivered a spell of 5 for 62 from 17 overs, a performance that, while impressive, was not enough to secure a win for his side.
Somerset, who sit atop the league table, edged past Hampshire by two wickets thanks to an unbeaten 101 from Tom Abell, who anchored the chase and ensured the visitors left the ground with the points. Hampshire captain Ben Brown was effusive in his praise for the young paceman. Brown highlighted how Baker dismissed Lewis Gregory and later Alfie Ogborne, applying relentless pressure when Somerset still needed 15 runs after the eighth wicket fell. "I’m really pleased for the guy," Brown said.
"Sonny was absolutely brilliant all game, and has been all season actually. I think he’s got a huge ceiling as a bowler. He’s bowling absolute rockets at the moment – almost every spell touches the 90‑mph mark and he’s making things happen. The ball to Gregory moved back a mile.
It’s brilliant bowling, it really is. And for tail‑enders, in particular, it’s a nightmare to face." Baker’s third five‑wicket haul of his career came within just the first three matches of the current Championship season, taking his wicket total to 13 at an impressive average of 21.84.
Such form inevitably fuels speculation that he could earn a maiden Test call‑up for England when the national side faces New Zealand at Lord’s on 4 June. The conversation around Baker has been amplified by his recent successes in the high‑profile Hundred competition, where he represented the Manchester Originals in 2025.
Over seven games he claimed nine wickets, dismissing some of the world’s most recognised batsmen – including Joe Root, David Warner, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith – and demonstrating that his raw pace can trouble even the most accomplished hitters. Despite these domestic triumphs, Baker’s early experiences on the international stage have been a mixed bag. He made his One‑Day International debut against South Africa at Headingley last summer, where he was hit for 76 runs in seven overs without taking a wicket.
The opening partnership of the Proteas, featuring Aiden Markram, exposed the harsh reality of the step up to the highest level; Baker’s first four overs yielded 56 runs, underscoring how unforgiving the international arena can be for a bowler who is even slightly off his line or length. A few weeks later, on his Twenty‑20 International debut versus Ireland, he again struggled to find the back of the net, conceding 52 runs from four overs and failing to claim a wicket.
These setbacks, however, have not diminished the belief that Baker belongs in the England set‑up. In November, the England and Wales Cricket Board awarded him a one‑year central contract, signalling that the selectors still view him as a key component of their future plans, especially as they look ahead to the 2026 season. The contract also reflects the broader strategy of England to nurture fast‑bowling talent capable of delivering at speeds that regularly breach the 90‑mph threshold – a rarity in the modern game and a weapon that can tilt matches in England’s favour.
Looking ahead, the upcoming home summer promises a packed schedule for England fans. The national team will kick off a three‑Test series against New Zealand on 4 June, followed by a succession of limited‑overs fixtures. While the Sky Sports platform will broadcast the action for subscribers, those without a subscription can still follow live cricket via the NOW streaming service, which offers contract‑free access to the matches.
Baker’s journey illustrates the classic arc of a young fast bowler: early promise, moments of brilliance, learning curves at the international level, and a clear pathway back to the top tier through consistent domestic performances. His ability to consistently bowl at speeds approaching 90 mph, coupled with the swing and seam movement that troubled Lewis Gregory, makes him a tantalising prospect for England’s fast‑bowling department, which is always on the lookout for weapons capable of unsettling opposition line‑ups.
If Baker can translate the raw pace and aggression he displays in county cricket into disciplined, wicket‑taking spells on the world stage, he could very well become a regular feature in England’s Test side. The next few months will be crucial – strong performances in the County Championship, continued dominance in limited‑overs formats, and perhaps a standout showing in the upcoming England‑New Zealand series could cement his place. For now, the cricketing world watches with interest as this young Hampshire paceman continues to sharpen his skills, aiming to turn the lofty praise of his captain and pundits alike into a lasting international career.