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Key Points

Andrew Flintoff has praised young pacer Sonny Baker after his maiden England call-up. Flintoff, who coached Baker in the Lions squad, highlighted his relentless work ethic and raw pace. Baker has been selected for ODIs against South Africa and T20Is against Ireland. The 22-year-old has already shown promise in The Hundred with consistent performances.

Key Points: Flintoff Praises Sonny Baker After England Pacer's Maiden Call-Up

  • Flintoff handed Baker his first-class debut in Australia
  • Baker took 8 wickets in 2 matches on Lions tour
  • The pacer has impressed in The Hundred with 4 wickets
  • England face South Africa and Ireland in upcoming white-ball series
3 min read

He just wants to run in, bowl fast day after day...: Flintoff hails pacer Baker on maiden English call-up

Andrew Flintoff hails young pacer Sonny Baker for his work ethic and pace after England call-up for South Africa ODIs and Ireland T20Is.

"He just wants to run in, bowl fast day after day. As a coach of the Lions, that is what you want to see. – Andrew Flintoff"

Leeds, August 16

Former England captain Andrew Flintoff hailed young pacer Sonny Baker, who earned his maiden call-up to the English side for the ODIs against South Africa at home and T20Is against Ireland away from home.

Flintoff, who is the head coach of England's developmental Lions squad, was the one who handed Baker his first-class debut during the tour to Australia back in 2025. During the tour, he took eight wickets in two matches.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Flintoff, coaching Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, said, "Sonny Baker has been announced in the squad. Unbelievable."

"He came in, we gave him his first-class debut in Australia. Runs in, bowls quick, but what a joy to work with. He is just a cracking lad. He writes everything down, he hangs on your every word."

"He just wants to run in, bowl fast day after day. As a coach of the Lions, that is what you want to see," he concluded.

During the ongoing The Hundred, Baker has four wickets in four games at an average of just over 23 for Manchester Originals.

England have announced their squads for the limited-overs series against South Africa and Ireland.

With the red-ball leg of the home summer behind them, England will next feature in three ODIs and as many T20Is against the Proteas starting September 2 in Headingley.

The home series will be followed by a three-match contest against Ireland in Malahide from September 17.

Harry Brook, who was appointed England's white-ball captain after the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year, will continue to lead in the home series against South Africa.

Meanwhile, Jacob Bethell has been named skipper for the tour of Ireland, with Brook rested for the three-match T20I series.

England squads:For South Africa ODIs: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jamie Smith

For South Africa T20Is: Harry Brook (c), Rehan Ahmed, Jofra Archer, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler, Brydon Carse, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Luke Wood

For Ireland T20Is: Jacob Bethell (c), Rehan Ahmed, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jos Buttler, Liam Dawson, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Matthew Potts, Adil Rashid, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Flintoff's endorsement means a lot! But I wonder if Baker can handle pressure like Bumrah does for India. Fast bowling is about consistency, not just speed. Let's see how he performs against SA.
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Arjun K
Meanwhile in India, we have at least 5-6 young pacers who are performing better than Baker in domestic cricket but don't get chances. Our selection system needs to improve! #IndianCricket
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Sarah B
Interesting selection! As an Indian cricket fan, I always enjoy watching new fast bowlers emerge. Hope Baker gets to bowl against our team someday - would be a good test for both sides!
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Nikhil C
England's rotation policy is impressive. Giving chances to youngsters while resting main players for Ireland series. BCCI should learn from this instead of overworking our star players!
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Kavya N
The way Flintoff describes Baker's attitude reminds me of young Bumrah's dedication. Talent + hard work always pays off. Wishing this youngster success (except when playing against India 😉)

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