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Sonny Baker debuts for England in the first ODI against South Africa at Headingly, joining Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid in Harry Brook’s XI for the Metro Bank series.
England white-ball captain Harry Brook. (Picture Credit: AP)
England have named their playing 11 for the first ODI against South Africa at Headingly, handing a debut to young Hampshire pacer Sonny Baker. The Three Lions are hosting the Proteas for three ODIs and as many T20Is from September 2 to 14.
The right-arm fast-bowler has played 11 List-A matches in his career, picking 19 wickets at 25.42. He also has seven First-Class matches (22 wickets at 33.90) and 21 T20s (24 wickets at 24.04). He was quite impressive in the recent season of The Hundred, picking nine scalps in seven games for the Manchester Originals.
“Sonny Baker is set to make his England Men’s debut in the first Metro Bank ODI against South Africa on Tuesday, having been named in Harry Brook’s starting XI for the fixture. The Hampshire bowler has impressed for his county, for England Lions, and with Manchester Originals in The Hundred in recent months, earning him a place in his first international squad,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) wrote in a statement.
Baker will join Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse in the bowling attack, alongside local boy Adil Rashid. It’s a big audition for the 22-year-old as England groom their next generation of pacers ahead of a packed calendar that includes next year’s T20 World Cup and the 2027 World Cup.
The batting order also boasts a blend of youth and experience. Jamie Smith is again mentioned as an opener, despite him being more of a middle-order hitter throughout his career.
He’ll be partnered by the senior top-order star Ben Duckett. Other seniors Joe Root and Jos Buttler will bookend captain Harry Brook. Youngster Jacob Bethel and Will Jacks will have to do the finishing, alongside some part-time bowling.
England playing XI for 1st ODI vs South Africa: Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethel, Will Jacks, Bryson Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Sonny Baker.
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