Sonny Baker Given England Development Deal

Devon fast bowler Sonny Baker has been given a development central contract by England.

The 21-year-old, who has joined Hampshire CCC this winter, impressed the England hierarchy on the Lions tour of Australia last month.

Baker rose through the ranks at Torquay CC and Devon's Performance Pathway before signing a two-year professional contract with Somerset CCC in 2021.

He went on to make his England Under 19s debut later that year, going on to be selected for the 2022 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, but subsequently missing out due to a back injury.

He made his T20 debut for Southern Brave in The Hundred in 2022 and took 19 wickets in 11 One-Day Cup matches for Somerset before leaving the club at the end of last season.

Speaking on Baker's England deal, Lions coach Andrew Flintoff told the BBC:

"It has been a delight to see the pride he takes in wearing the Three Lions, the energy he brings to every ball, and the theatre and magic he creates on the pitch.

"His professionalism and dedication to every aspect of his game are an example to all.

"Sonny has a bright future ahead, and we look forward to continuing to work with him and Hampshire over the coming years."