From Back Stress Fractures to Hat-Trick Hero, Baker’s Unlikely Journey to the Top

Sonny Baker, England’s newest pace bowler, has quickly made a name for himself in the cricket world with his impressive performances in The Hundred and the County Championship. But Baker’s rise to prominence is not without its challenges. The 22-year-old has had to overcome a string of back stress fractures, which forced him to re-evaluate his career and adopt a more cautious approach to fast bowling.

Baker’s first stress fracture occurred at 17, prompting him to consider a career as a teacher. However, after suffering further injuries in 2022 and 2023, he has since made significant changes to his training routine. One of the key changes has been his adoption of bone broth, which he believes has helped to prevent further stress fractures. “You basically put bones in boiling water, the same as a slow cooker, and it just dissolves the minerals out of the bone,” he explains. “You get collagen in there as well. If you chuck root veg or whatever in there, a bit of black pepper, it tastes quite nice.”

Baker’s dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous approach to analysis. He records notes on opposition batters in a little book, including plans and hopes for the future. This attention to detail has paid off, with Baker dismissing several high-profile batsmen, including England’s Jos Buttler and Australia’s Steve Smith.

Baker’s relationship with his fellow cricketers is also noteworthy. He has formed close bonds with experienced bowlers such as James Anderson and Jofra Archer, and has even sought advice from the likes of Brett Lee and Shaun Tait. His thirst for knowledge has led him to ask questions that others might not think to ask, and his willingness to learn has earned him a reputation as a bowling nerd.

“I’ve been fairly conscious,” Baker says of his approach to bowling. “I know I ask a lot of questions, so I’ve been trying to ease [James Anderson] into that and not just spray him straight away.” This approach has paid off, as Baker has quickly developed a rapport with his teammates and has become a valuable asset to the team.

Despite his success, Baker remains grounded and focused on the task at hand. He is currently part of the England Lions squad, where he is learning from experienced players and honing his skills ahead of a potential Test debut. “I’ll refer back to notes on any matters and Steve Smith is one of the red-ball GOATs, so I’d definitely be coming back to that analysis if I end up needing it,” he says.

Baker’s rise to prominence has also been facilitated by his time spent in Australia, where he has spent the past two winters rehabbing from his injuries. This experience has given him valuable exposure to the country’s top players and has helped him develop his skills in a high-pressure environment.

For now, Baker is content to focus on the next few games, including The Hundred and the upcoming series against South Africa and Ireland. But with his talent, dedication, and willingness to learn, it’s clear that Sonny Baker is a name to watch in the cricket world.

Key Stats:

• 22 wickets in 7 first-class matches
• 5 five-wicket hauls in the County Championship
• Average speed of 87mph, with a top speed of 92mph
• Has dismissed several high-profile batsmen, including England’s Jos Buttler and Australia’s Steve Smith