Sonny Baker, the 23‑year‑old fast‑bowling sensation from Hampshire, has once again drawn attention with a spectacular performance that has intensified discussions about his future with the England Test side. In the most recent County Championship encounter against Somerset, the young pacer claimed a five‑wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 62 from 17 overs in the second innings.
Although his spell was impressive, it was not enough to secure a win for Hampshire, as Somerset’s captain, Tom Abell, produced a flawless unbeaten century of 101 runs, guiding the league‑leading side to a narrow two‑wicket victory. Hampshire’s skipper, Ben Brown, could not contain his admiration for the emerging bowler. He highlighted Baker’s ability to consistently generate genuine speed, noting that the seamer frequently reaches the 90‑mph mark with each spell.
Brown praised the way Baker dismantled the Somerset batting line‑up, removing Lewis Gregory and Alfie Ogborne in quick succession, which left the opposition needing just 15 runs when the eighth wicket fell. "I'm really pleased for the guy. Sonny was absolutely brilliant all game, and has been all season actually," Brown said.
"I think he's got a huge ceiling as a bowler. He's bowling absolute rockets at the moment.
Almost every spell gets up to that sort of 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." This third career five‑wicket haul brings Baker’s wicket tally to 13 after just the opening three matches of the County Championship, at an impressive average of 21.84. Such form has reignited calls for his inclusion in the England Test squad for the upcoming series against New Zealand at Lord’s, scheduled to begin on June 4.
The English selectors have been monitoring his progress closely, especially after his standout showing in the 2025 Hundred tournament where he claimed nine wickets for the Manchester Originals, dismissing world‑renowned batsmen such as Joe Root, David Warner, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith. Despite his domestic success, Baker’s early forays into international cricket have been challenging. 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 batsman for the Proteas, Aiden Markram, punished his first four overs, conceding 56 runs and offering Baker a stark reminder of the heightened intensity at the highest level. A few weeks later, on his T20I debut versus Ireland, he again struggled, giving away 52 runs in four overs and failing to claim a scalp. These initial setbacks have not deterred the young fast bowler.
Instead, they have provided valuable experience and a clear indication of the areas he needs to refine to thrive on the world stage. Coaches and mentors have emphasized the importance of maintaining his raw pace while developing consistency, control, and the ability to swing the ball both ways.
Baker’s recent performances suggest he is making those adjustments, as evidenced by his lethal spell against Somerset where his deliveries not only hurt the batsmen physically but also forced them into making poor decisions. In November, England Cricket awarded Baker a one‑year central contract, confirming that he remains firmly on the selectors’ radar for the 2026 season. The contract reflects both his potential and the belief that, with further development, he could become a mainstay of England’s fast‑bowling attack. His continued exposure to high‑pressure county matches, combined with targeted work on his line, length, and variations, is expected to sharpen his skills ahead of any future international call‑ups.
Looking ahead, cricket fans can anticipate watching Baker’s evolution throughout the domestic season and possibly in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. If he maintains his current trajectory—combining raw speed, the ability to move the ball sharply, and a growing tactical acumen—he could soon transition from a promising county talent to a regular feature in England’s Test lineup. The excitement surrounding his name is palpable, and many believe that the “huge ceiling” described by Ben Brown is not an exaggeration but a realistic assessment of what lies ahead for this dynamic young pacer.
For those interested in following the action, England’s home summer will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, beginning with the three‑Test series versus New Zealand. Viewers without a Sky subscription can also stream matches contract‑free via NOW, ensuring that fans can keep up with Baker’s progress and the broader England campaign throughout the season.