Hampshire pace bowler Sonny Baker has looked back on a difficult start to his England career after his only one-day international against South Africa, where he conceded 0-76, the most expensive figures by an England man on ODI debut. [1]
The 23-year-old's only T20 international came three weeks later in Dublin, where Ireland scored 52 runs from his four overs. Baker said he was not himself that day and needs to stay authentic if he gets another chance. [1]
"My little brother Blaise said to me after the game that I hadn't been myself," Baker said, adding: "I'm an absolute carry-on merchant. If someone plays and misses, I'm like, 'woooaaahhh'. I can't help but to give it a massive carry-on." [1]
He said his response to another opportunity would be simple: "If I get the opportunity again it's about being myself. If I get someone to play and miss, I have to carry on like I normally do. There's no point worrying about what everyone will think. Who cares? That's how I am. I have to be authentic." [1]
England may hand Baker more chances, with a Test debut this summer among the possibilities as selectors look for pace-bowling cover. England are searching for replacements before the first Test against New Zealand on 4 June, with senior quicks including Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Chris Woakes already vacated from the bowling attack and Mark Wood likely also out, leaving 1,619 Test wickets to replace. [1]
The next key date is 4 June, when England open their Test series against New Zealand. [1]
