Sonny Baker, the 21-year-old fast bowler, has been awarded a development central contract by England following a standout performance during the Lions tour of Australia. Baker, who has been clocked at speeds around 90mph, showcased his talent in his only first-class match to date, taking 3-60 against Australia A. Earlier in the tour, he also claimed five wickets in a match against a Cricket Australia XI, solidifying his reputation as a promising young talent.

Baker's journey began at the Somerset academy, but he made the switch to Hampshire after the 2024 season. 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. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with England's selectors recognizing his potential.

Andrew Flintoff, former England all-rounder and current Lions coach, praised Baker's dedication: "He and I are very different in character and personality, but 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."

Baker joins Hampshire team-mate John Turner and Leicestershire left-arm quick Josh Hull on England development deals, which are a step below the 27 players on full England contracts. His contract will run until September 2025, giving him ample time to further develop his skills.

The significance of Baker's performances in Australia cannot be understated, especially with England's senior team set to travel down under for the Ashes later this year. His ability to perform on Australian pitches bodes well for his future prospects in international cricket.

Baker's rise is part of a broader trend in English cricket, where young players with limited first-class experience are being fast-tracked into the national team. Jacob Bethell, another young all-rounder, was awarded a development contract last year and was quickly upgraded to a full deal after an impressive Test debut against New Zealand. Similarly, Shoaib Bashir made his debut in India at the age of 20, having played just six first-class matches. Rehan Ahmed became the youngest man to play a Test for England when he was selected by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum in 2022.

Baker's contract is a testament to his hard work and potential, and cricket fans will be eager to see how he continues to develop in the coming years.