Sonny Baker is a right-arm fast bowler and right-hand batter.
Baker is a dynamic right-arm fast bowler whose express pace and ability to swing the ball have made him one of England’s most promising young cricketers.
Born in Torbay, Devon, in March 2003, Baker’s cricketing journey began in the Devon youth system before he joined the Somerset Academy in 2020. He made his professional debut for Somerset in the 2021 Royal London One-Day Cup and quickly caught attention with a six-wicket haul against Derbyshire which are still his best figures in List A cricket.
Baker’s performances earned him a call-up to The Hundred, where he was signed by Trent Rockets and later Southern Brave, with whom he made his professional T20 debut. He went wicketless in his first outing but claimed 2-28 in his second, against Northern Superchargers at Headingley.
In 2024, Baker was selected as a wildcard for Manchester Originals but picked up an injury before the start of the tournament.
In August the same year, Baker made the decision to leave Somerset and join Hampshire ahead of the 2025 season.
He made his Hampshire debut in the Guyana Global Super League, where he impressed with his raw pace; he took four wickets in the campaign with best figures of 2-29 coming in the Hawks’ final match against Cricket Victoria.
In January 2025, Baker was named in the England Lions squad for their tour of Australia, alongside Hampshire teammate John Turner, and in February, he was awarded an England development contract having impressed in Oz.
Across two matches for the Lions, Baker took figures of 4-43, 1-28, and 3-60.
Baker made his Championship debut against Yorkshire at Utilita Bowl, where he dismissed Jonny Bairstow twice in the match, and claimed his maiden First-Class five-wicket haul against Surrey at The Oval in as he finished with figures of 5-80.
Another standout moment came in the Vitality Blast, where Baker claimed 4-20 against Glamorgan to seal a convincing 95-run victory in front of a raucous home crowd at Utilita Bowl.
Back in the Championship, the young quick claimed his second five-for, against Worcestershire, including a spell of three wickets in three overs for just two runs.
He returned to The Hundred with Manchester Originals and shone instantly as he cleaned up both Jason Roy and his Hampshire captain James Vince to finish with 2-26 from 20 balls.
He would go on to finish the competition with nine wickets, the second-most for Manchester Originals, with best figures of 3-21 against Northern Superchargers.
His domestic success led to international recognition; he made his ODI debut for England against South Africa on 2 September 2025, followed by a T20I debut against Ireland later that month.
Baker’s bowling is characterised by speeds in the high 80s to early 90s mph with late inswing having idolised Dale Steyn growing up. Now a key figure in Hampshire’s bowling attack, he continues to develop under experienced guidance and remains firmly in contention for future England honours.
