England vs South Africa: Sonny Baker named in squad for first ODI

Fast bowler Sonny Baker will make his England debut in the first one-day international against South Africa at Headingley on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old took nine wickets in seven matches for Manchester Originals in The Hundred, regularly bowling around 90mph while threatening with the new ball in particular.

It is the latest step in a rapid rise for Hampshire’s Baker, who made his first-class debut for England Lions against Australia A in Sydney at the beginning of this year.

England captain Harry Brook said it was his spells to Kane Williamson and David Warner when playing against London Spirit, and against Welsh Fire’s Steve Smith and Jonny Bairstow, that caught the eye.

“All four are world-class batters and he was all over them,” Brook told BBC Sport.

“He bowled with high pace and high skill. He was awesome to watch this year and everyone was talking about him.”

Baker trained with England for the first time on Sunday and was present again at a light training session on Monday morning in Leeds.

The five members of England’s squad who played in Sunday’s Hundred final were not present – they travelled from London on Monday morning – but both Joe Root and Will Jacks have been included in the XI.

“In an ideal world we’d have liked to meet up yesterday and train yesterday, train today and go into the game as a group but nobody is short of cricket that’s for sure,” Brook said.

“Everybody’s raring to go and loving playing for England.”

Baker’s fellow quicks Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse are both included after missing the final Test against India in July. For Archer, it will be his first one-day international since the Champions Trophy in March.

The match in Leeds begins a three-match series against the Proteas, which is followed by three T20s.