Sonny Baker, an exciting young fast bowler from Devon, is still in his teens but already creating a buzz among England’s cricketing hierarchy. His phenomenal progress in his young career has turned heads. After switching his cricketing allegiance from Somerset to Hampshire last year, Baker’s fast bowling skills have caught the attention of seasoned players and coaches alike, including England’s veteran James Anderson. Just a month ago, he proved that talent in a test match against the famous batsman Steve Smith. By all accounts, this performance emboldened his status even more as a ‘rising star’.
Baker, now 20, enthused in an interview as his deep admiration for his new game came through the phone. He is passionate about fast bowling and can talk about it all day! His recent performance against Smith in a match between Welsh Fire and Manchester Originals last Monday demonstrated both his skill and determination. In a tense moment, Baker bowled 12 deliveries to Smith, with six of them yielding mixed results: three were hit for four runs while another three resulted in a false shot.
The young left-armer certainly knows a thing or two about analysis and meticulous planning. He takes meticulous notes on opposing hitters in a little black book, which he uses to get information on guys in the games. This deliberate practice is what’s allowed him to hone his craft and build a greater awareness of various batting mechanics.
“I’ll refer back to notes on any matters and Steve Smith is one of the red-ball GOATs [greatest of all-time] so I’d definitely be coming back to that analysis if I end up needing it,” said Baker.
Baker’s commitment to improvement goes beyond data analysis. He proactively sought advice from notable figures in the sport, including former Australian fast bowlers Brett Lee and Shaun Tait. His humility and passion for learning have shined through during his entire journey.
“Earlier in my career I didn’t ask questions for the sake of asking them, but I didn’t know what answers I was trying to get,” Baker reflected, showing how his approach to learning has evolved.
His skills were most apparent during his time with the England Lions last winter in Australia. He’s consistently caught the eye of coaches and teammates, earning the 20-year-old an England development contract back in February. Maybe, just maybe, it’s because he bowls at speeds pretty much no one else does. He’s bowled more balls over 140kph than any other bowler in the tournament, including England’s Jofra Archer.
James Anderson, who has mentored Baker, praised his talent, stating, “I have been so impressed. He has got space, skill, swings the ball both ways. He has a lot going for him.”
At 17 years old, one injury left him completely hanging in the balance on whether he could even achieve his dreams. But he didn’t let up on his ambitions, even setting his sights on a spot to study biology at the University of Oxford.
Beyond his astounding skills with the ball, Baker’s in-game strategy is a testament to what goes through his thought process heading into each match. He drives home the point that clarity is crucial in decision-making on the field. “It would be an absolute nightmare if you’re not really sure whether you’re meant to bowl wide or straight and then you pick the wrong one,” he noted.
Baker would much prefer to talk about the upcoming fixtures in the next round than to get too far ahead of himself. And then, again, see what we have down the road—but first things first, the next couple games. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves right now,” he continued, showing wisdom far beyond his 19 years.
His recent performance included bowling five consecutive dot balls against Australian opener David Warner, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and execute strategies effectively.
Through it all, Baker is learning on the job and picking up experience as an architect. He is expected to be part of the Lions party that will help prepare the Test side for the Ashes series. His journey from a young cricketer in Devon to an emerging star in professional cricket demonstrates not only his talent but his dedication and discipline.
Leave a Reply