Sonny Baker is desperate to make amends in England’s final T20 against Ireland on Sunday, after a painful ODI debut against South Africa earlier this summer. The 22-year-old Hampshire quick was hammered for 76 runs in seven wicketless overs as South Africa chased down 132 with ease at Headingley.
Despite the tough start, Baker remains upbeat and philosophical. “All of the guys after were like: ‘Mate, defending 130, come on: unless we got five wickets in the powerplay, we were never really in it,’” he said. “Up the hill at Headingley can be tough sometimes. Markram fancied a piece and got a few away and he’s a very, very good player.”
Baker, who keeps detailed notes on bowling plans, said he wrote “shit happens” in his notebook after the game. He added that Jofra Archer checked on his heart rate during the match, but he felt fine emotionally. “There was so much going on that I didn’t really have time to register: ‘Oh no, this is really not going how I wanted it to.’ It was like, well, I’ve just got to get on with it and deal with it.”
Baker would have made his T20 debut against Ireland on Friday, but rain forced an abandonment. He is now “desperate” to play in the series decider, which England lead 1-0. “Mainly excitement,” he said, hoping for a more enjoyable debut this time round.
