First international scalps for Sonny Baker

PACE bowler Sonny Baker claimed his first international wickets in England under-19s’ nail-chewing win over the West Indies at Beckenham yesterday (Tuesday).

The Torquay CC quick bowler, who joined the full-time staff at Somerset earlier this year, had to wait until his second England appearance to get among the wickets.

Baker, wicketless on debut in the opening one-day international at the same venue on Saturday, picked up two for 19 to help dismiss the West Indies for 180.

England limped over the line nine-wickets down to level the series at one apiece. The third ODI, also at Beckenham, is due to be played at Beckenham on Wednesday. The series moves to Canterbury on Saturday for the second batch of three games.

Baker (18) went through the Devon age-group teams before being talent spotted by Somerset while at school in Taunton. Devon CCC had hoped Baker would be available to them this season for NCCA competitions, but his Somerset commitments got in the way.