England's 92mph fast bowler Sonny Baker aims for Test debut in 2026

England's Sonny Baker, known for his 92mph pace, targets a Test debut this summer after overcoming early international setbacks.

Baker's energetic presence Sonny Baker, a Hampshire pace bowler, brings a dynamic and enthusiastic energy to conversations, much like the way he delivers fast bowling. During a video call, his lively storytelling about a second-hand bike purchase and a tomahawk steak was abruptly cut short, mirroring the challenges he faced early in his England career. Baker’s lively demeanor reflects his approach to cricket, where he bowls with speed and a smile. The broken call served as a metaphor for his learning experiences in international cricket so far. ## Debut struggles and reflections Baker’s sole one-day international appearance ended with 0-76 against South Africa, marking the most expensive figures by an England player on debut. Despite this, he remains realistic, noting England were bowled out for 131 and he was targeted in a game they were unlikely to win. His only T20 international three weeks later saw Ireland score 52 runs off his four overs, leaving him frustrated with his performance. Baker admits his brother Blaise pointed out he wasn’t his usual self, struggling to recover mentally after the ODI disappointment. ## Learning from mistakes Baker acknowledges he didn’t present himself in the best way during his T20 outing in Dublin. He describes his usual reaction to dismissals as one of excitement, shouting or reacting visibly when a batter misses. However, after his ODI setback, he found himself subdued, merely happy to avoid boundaries rather than celebrating wickets. Looking ahead, he stresses the importance of staying true to himself if given another chance, emphasizing authenticity over worrying about external opinions. ## England's fast-bowling void With Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes, and likely Mark Wood retired from Tests, England faces a significant deficit in the pace-bowling department. Combined, these bowlers claimed 1,619 wickets, leaving gaps that need filling urgently. Injuries to Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer’s IPL commitments complicate selection, while Matthew Potts struggled in the final Ashes Test in Sydney. Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson are strong contenders for the first Test against New Zealand on June 4, though Matthew Fisher and Tom Lawes face competition from a Surrey side struggling to take wickets. ## Baker's rise and potential Sonny Baker stands out with his increased pace this season, having been recorded at 92mph, up from his previous efforts. He attributes this improvement to running in faster and maintaining momentum throughout his run-up, which enhances ball speed and control. Earlier in the year, he felt his deliveries lacked zip when trying to force chances, but now he describes his performance as much sharper in a small sample of matches. His intensity in a match against Somerset, particularly in a duel with James Rew, showcased his potential for England’s future. ## Fast bowling philosophy Baker passionately discusses fast bowling, admiring South Africa’s Dale Steyn, whom he calls the master of varying pace. He describes Steyn as someone who could seamlessly switch gears, starting with controlled swing with the new ball and then delivering thunderous bouncers when needed. For Baker, bowling fast isn’t just effective—it’s enjoyable, a belief that aligns with what fans want to see. He recalls the excitement generated by bowlers like Jofra Archer during the 2019 Ashes, emphasizing how such energy draws crowds and inspires aspiring cricketers. ## Family influence and lifestyle Baker attributes his positive outlook to his family, including his father Ian, a club cricketer and semi-professional goalkeeper, and his brother Blaise, a 19-year-old fast bowler who has played for Somerset’s second XI. To manage stress fractures from his teenage years, Baker adopted a strict routine involving bone broth, though he admits the homemade process was cumbersome. He describes the lengthy preparation, from browning bones to brewing for 24 hours, straining the broth, and dealing with unpleasant bin odors, all while trying to sustain his energy levels. ## Unexpected support and changes Baker’s quest for bone broth took an unexpected turn when a member of the public recognized him at a farm show and connected him with a company sponsoring the drink. This sponsorship now delivers bone broth directly to wherever he is, solving his supply issues. The abrupt end to his video call was due to a drained phone battery, forcing him to scramble for a charger and complete the conversation while plugged into his car. This season, Baker has played only 10 first-class matches, with three in the current season, his first back-to-back appearances in his career. ## Future prospects and workload As a centrally contracted player, Baker’s workload is managed by England, regardless of whether he earns a Test call this summer. He expresses gratitude for the investment in his long-term development, though he remains uncertain about his immediate prospects. Baker believes he has significantly improved his red-ball bowling compared to last year, combining added pace with greater control. Hampshire’s upcoming fixture against Glamorgan marks the start of three consecutive matches before England’s first Test of the summer.