sports
Hampshire bowler Sonny Baker credits teammate mentorship ahead of England T20 series
The 23-year-old fast bowler reflected on guidance received while making his Test debut and returning to domestic T20 cricket. He is named in the squad to face India after taking two wickets in a recent Blast match.
bbc.co.ukAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker said mentorship from county teammate Kyle Abbott helped him reach the England Test team. The 23-year-old took three wickets across both innings on debut in the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval. England lost the match by 253 runs, but Baker described the experience as valuable for identifying areas to improve.
Domestic return and squad selection Baker returned to Hampshire's T20 Blast side on Friday and took two wickets in the final over of a win over Yorkshire. Hampshire stayed top of the South Group despite a loss to Kent on Sunday. He has been added to the England squad for the upcoming T20I series against India, which includes a match at the Utilita Bowl.
Background on development Baker moved from Somerset to Hampshire in 2025.
Abbott, 39, who represented South Africa from 2013 to 2017, joined Hampshire in 2017 and has provided advice during matches. Baker has cited Abbott's input over the past two County Championship seasons and said the guidance has been key to his progress across formats.
Baker has recorded speeds of 92 mph this season. He previously made a T20 debut for England against Ireland in September without taking a wicket.
