SA vs ENG ODI Fast bowler Sony Baker will make his debut for England in the first ODI against South Africa on Tuesday after his impressive performance in The Hundred. The 22-year-old will take on Jofra Archer and Brydon Carce in a three-man fast bowling attack at Headingley. Baker took nine wickets in seven matches for Manchester Originals in The Hundred franchise event, including England’s limited-overs captain Harry Brook’s hat-trick against Northern Superchargers last month.
“He’s been brilliant at The Hundred. We have seen him bowl some of the best batsmen in the world, and he has a dust mat.” The captain praised Baker’s pace, ability to swing the ball, and his bowling at the end of the matches. “A lot of people are excited to see what they do. It seems that there is a lot in them.”
The team’s announcement comes at a time when England all-rounder Jamie Overton has been ruled out of the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, which has put an end to his red-ball career. “After a lot of thought, I have decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket,” the Surrey fast bowler posted on social media.
“At this stage of his career, given the demands of cricket in the 12-month calendar, it is no longer possible to be fully dedicated to all formats, physically and mentally, at every level.” The 31-year-old Overton played his second Test against India in late July, and despite a mixed performance at the Oval, he had a strong chance of making a place in the squad for the Ashes. Brooke was surprised by Overton’s decision, and he said: “To be honest, I’m a little surprised. I had heard rumours, but to date, I had not heard anything from them.
“It would be nice to have them in the Ashes.” When he is fully fit and aggressive, he bowls stormily and can perform even bang off the field.” Overton was included in England’s limited-overs squad against South Africa last month, but head coach Brendon McCullum has preferred Baker for the opening match. The first ODI in Leeds is the start of the three-match series against South Africa, after which three T20 matches will be played.
England: Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Jacob Bethel, Will Jacques, Braidon Cars, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Sunny Baker
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