Torquay and Devon paceman Baker in England Under-19 squad for six-game series against West Indies
CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING
DEVONIAN Sonny Baker is one of three Somerset players named in the 18-strong squad for the upcoming series between England under-19s and the West Indies.
The six-match series of 50-over games gets under way on Saturday on Beckenham CC’s ground in Kent. Torquay paceman Baker – he played for his club side last Saturday against Plympton – James Rew and George Thomas are all in the squad.
Baker (18) went through the Devon age-group teams before being talent spotted by Somerset while at school in Taunton. Devon CCC had hoped Baker would be available to them this season for NCCA competitions, but his Somerset commitments got in the way.
He is the latest in a long line of Devon age-group players to progress from the county youth ranks to England under-19 squads. Among those to earn international honours are Keith Benton, Mike Garnham, Chris Read, Ben Green, Tom Lammonby, Lewis Gregory, the Overton twins, James Burke, Andy Cottam, Richard Baggs, Ian Gompertz, Orlando le Fleming and Mark Lathwell.
This time last year Baker was talking to Somerset about a place on their Acadamy. Sandy Allen, the player pathway director for the Devon Cricket Board, said a lot has happened to the young paceman since them.
“In barely a year Sonny has gone from a candidate for the Somerset Academy to a two-year contract with the club,” said Allen. “He has taken wickets in 50-over cricket and been signed by Trent Rockets for The Hundred competition.
“That’s a rapid rise through the game and largely due to Sonny’s strong work ethic and diligence.
“He worked hard on his game during the lockdowns and if anything is his strength it is that commitment to making himself a better cricketer.
“Those who have known Sonny since he was 13-14 will tell you he has always had pace. What he has worked on so well is what he does with the ball and his control.
“Pace is always an asset, but as you go further in the game what you do with the ball is even more important.”
It’s the first time the U19 team has been in action since the 2020 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. The squad will be led for the first time by ECB Elite pathway coach, Richard Dawson.
Dawson, a former England under-19 player himself, turned out for Devon while he was a student at the University of Exeter more than 20 years ago.
Said Dawson: “I’m excited to see the group in action and to see how they fare against their international peers. It’s a big opportunity for the players, and it’s their first step on the international pathway.”
Steve Snell, Somerset’s player pathway chief, said: “We’re really pleased Sonny, James and George are getting this opportunity at youth international level.
“It highlights the excellent progression that they’re making as cricketers. Somerset has a rich tradition of players being selected for youth internationals and then transitioning into the First Class game and then on to the full international arena.”
FIXTURES
Saturday, September 4: 1st Royal London International, England U19 v West Indies U19, Beckenham.
Monday, September 6: 2nd Royal London International, England U19 v West Indies U19, Beckenham.
Wednesday, September 8: 3rd Royal London International, England U19 v West Indies U19, Beckenham.
Friday, September 10: 4th Royal London International, England U19 v West Indies U19, Polo Farm, Canterbury.
Tuesday, September 14: 5th Royal London International, England U19 v West Indies U19, Polo Farm, Canterbury.
Friday, September 17: 6th Royal London International, England U19 v West Indies U19, Polo Farm, Canterbury.
