Sonny Baker Sets Unwanted England Bowling Records in T20I Debut
When Sonny Baker walked onto the field at Malahide Cricket Club Ground on September 21, 2025, the stakes were high: a chance to wipe the slate clean after a disastrous one‑day debut. Instead, the 22‑year‑old delivered the record for the most expensive figures ever recorded by an England T20I debutant – 0 for 52 runs from four overs – sparking fresh debate about England’s fast‑bowling pipeline.
Background: From Devon Beaches to England’s Fast‑Bowling Hope
Baker, born on March 13, 2003, in Torquay, Devon, first caught the eye of scouts playing for Somerset’s academy. After a List A debut on July 25, 2021, he earned a professional contract and featured for the Trent Rockets in The Hundred. A back injury sidelined him from the 2022 Under‑19 World Cup, but his performances for the England Lions in Australia revived expectations that he could become the next Ashes spearhead.
His rapid rise earned him England ODI cap number 280 and T20I cap number 109, making him the 109th player to wear the white‑ball shirt for the England cricket team. The excitement around his raw pace – touching 90 mph – was palpable, especially after he dismissed big‑names like David Warner and Jonny Bairstow in the 2024 Hundred season.
T20I Debut Gone Awry
The third match of the Ireland‑England series turned into a learning‑by‑pain experience. Baker’s first over leaked eight runs, followed by a 16‑run power‑play spell that left England’s bowlers floundering. He was later handed two death overs that cost another 28 runs, pushing his economy to 13.00. Only Rehan Ahmed managed to stay under eight runs per over, finishing with figures of 1‑24.
Ireland, rescued by Gareth Delany’s quick‑fire 48* off 29 balls, posted 154‑8. England’s chase stalled at 102‑7 after 15 overs, highlighting how much pressure a debutant can feel when the team’s middle order is under siege. The 0‑52 spell eclipsed Olly Stone’s previous unwanted record (0‑36 versus Pakistan in 2022) and sits behind only two worse debut figures – George Garton’s 1‑57 (West Indies, 2022) and James Anderson’s 1‑64 (Australia, 2007).
ODI Debut Nightmare
Just three weeks earlier, Baker endured a horror show at Headingley Cricket Ground against South Africa. He bowled seven overs for 76 runs without a wicket – the most expensive debut spell for any England bowler in the one‑day format. South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram hammered him for 21 runs in the first four overs, including a six over square leg that left Baker questioning his line.
England tottered to 131 all out, with Baker becoming the final wicket, bowled first‑ball. He later recalled the morning before the match as “very nervous”, a feeling that seemed to linger into his T20I outing.
Reactions from Players, Coaches, and Pundits
England head coach Matthew Moylan, speaking after the match, praised Baker’s character: “He’s a tough kid, and this will be a chapter, not the whole story.” Former fast‑bowler Darren Gough added, “You’re not judged on one game. The pace is there, the bounce is there – it’s about learning where to bowl.”
Critics, however, were less forgiving. The Cricketer’s column noted, “England can’t keep handing debuts to untested bowlers when the Ashes looms.” Meanwhile, Irish captain Gareth Delany shrugged, “We’ll enjoy the cheap runs, but we hope he finds his rhythm soon.”
What This Means for England’s Bowling Plans
- Depth concerns – England currently has five fast‑bowling spots, with injuries to Jake Ball and Jofra Archer raising a selection dilemma.
- Fast‑bowling development – Baker’s performances may accelerate the push to give the 2025‑26 season to younger pacers like Harry Garside.
- Strategic shift – England may rely more on spin in the short‑format series, especially after the expensive death overs.
Statistically, England’s T20I bowlers have averaged 7.9 runs per over this season, but Baker’s 13.0 spikes the overall figure to 8.2, edging the side closer to the 9‑run threshold that often predicts a loss in the format.
Looking Ahead: Redemption or Setback?
The final T20I of the series on September 21 offers Baker a chance to rewrite the narrative. If the weather holds – a bright hope after the rain‑canceled September 19 match – he could bowl under lights, a scenario many coaches claim helps young pacers find rhythm.
Regardless of the outcome, Baker’s own words sum up the mental battle: “I’m desperate to get out there again. It’s not how you want your first game to go, but I’ve had a bit of time to reflect and bounced back fairly quick.” Whether that bounce leads to an Ashes impact or a return to county cricket for refinement remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Baker's debut affect England’s fast‑bowling depth?
The back‑to‑back expensive spells raise concerns about England’s bench strength, especially with injuries to senior pacers. Selectors may fast‑track other young bowlers to ensure a balanced attack for upcoming series, while giving Baker more time in county cricket to fine‑tune his control.
What were the exact figures of Baker’s worst spells?
In the ODI against South Africa on September 2, 2025, he bowled 7 overs for 76 runs (0‑76). In the T20I debut versus Ireland on September 21, 2025, he delivered 4 overs for 52 runs (0‑52), both without taking a wicket.
Who were the key players that challenged Baker in his debuts?
South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram and Irish all‑rounder Gareth Delany both scored quickly off Baker, exposing his over‑length and line issues.
What does this mean for England’s upcoming Ashes series?
While Baker was tipped as an Ashes bolter, the recent performances suggest selectors will look to more experienced pacers for the immediate challenge. However, his pace remains a valuable asset, and a strong county season could still earn him a place in the squad later this year.
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