- August 16, 2025
Every season of The Hundred throws up a surprise package, and in 2025, it’s Sonny Baker stealing the spotlight. While the Manchester Originals have had a rough ride so far, one bright spark has kept fans talking – their 22-year-old seamer. With raw pace, skiddy bounce, and a knack for making even the best batters uncomfortable, Baker has suddenly gone from “promising youngster” to “England prospect” in the space of a few fiery spells. But who exactly is Sonny Baker, and why are so many people already comparing him to legends like James Anderson? Let’s dive into five things that make him one of the most exciting names to watch in English cricket.
An Ashes Fast-Track Dream?
Most young quicks would spend years grinding away in county cricket before getting a sniff of international talk. Not Baker. Earlier this year, he was thrown into an England Lions game against Australia-A without any real first-class experience under his belt. The result? Figures of 3/60 and, more importantly, a spell that rattled David Warner. That one performance in Sydney was enough to make former England captain Michael Atherton wonder aloud whether Baker could be a wildcard pick for the Ashes squad later this year. Not bad for a 22-year-old who, until recently, was just trying to break into Hampshire’s first team.
First-Class Debut Season to Remember
When you think about a first season, you are unlikely to be thinking of getting Jonny Bairstow out twice in your opening Championship match, but that is exactly what Baker did. The 2025 County Championship was Baker’s first season with Hampshire. He opened well with six games under his belt, and he bowled brilliantly, taking 19 wickets and two five-wicket hauls. He ended a cracking season by taking eight wickets against Worcestershire, and if anything can be said, he has shown he is not just a case of one-game wonder. Not too shabby for a young fast bowler. It would not surprise anyone in Hampshire if he is the next seamer from the conveyor belt of talent.
The Anderson Comparison (Yes, Really)
It’s one thing to bowl well, but it’s another to earn comparisons to James Anderson. During the Originals’ win against the London Spirit, England opener Phil Salt cheekily said Baker’s spell was the “closest thing to Jimmy” he’d seen – and maybe even better on the day. To be measured against a legend who sits on 704 Test wickets is like being handed a stamp of approval from cricketing royalty. But if you watched Baker trouble Kane Williamson and David Warner in that same game, you’d understand why Salt wasn’t joking. For a young bowler, being in the same sentence as Anderson is huge – and maybe a sign of what’s to come.
The 2022 Breakthrough Everyone Forgot About
If you thought Baker was new, then think again. Back in 2022, he was tearing up the One Day Cup for Somerset, taking 9 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 17. One performance was a brilliant 6/46 against Durham in a match where 673 runs were scored. That spell opened people’s eyes, particularly as he bowled with the old ball and looked like Durham were going to get to 400. A week later, Baker made his Hundred debut. 2022 may have sown the seeds of his rise, although not many took note at the time.
FAQs:
1. Has Sonny Baker played first-class cricket?
Baker burst onto the County Championship scene in 2025 with Hampshire, claiming 19 wickets across just six matches.
2. What key 2022 spell made Baker a name to watch in English cricket circles?
His 6/46 for Somerset against Durham in the One Day Cup highlighted his potential.
3. Which county does Sonny Baker represent in domestic cricket?
He represents Hampshire in the County Championship.
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