‘Absolute dream come true’ – England bowler Sonny Baker chats about his Test match opportunities

England fast bowler Sonny Baker has stated that getting his maiden Test cap would be a dream come true for him in his relatively young international career. 

England are expected to make a host of changes to their Test team for their upcoming home series against New Zealand following their Ashes debacle. This includes their bowling unit, where the likes of Baker are in contention for a place in the squad. Places would also open up in the team due to injuries to senior players, with both Brydon Carse and Mark Wood nursing their respective setbacks at the time of writing.

Baker believes that representing England in Test matches would be the pinnacle of his career, and he dreams of playing in an Ashes series for the Three Lions. The 23-year-old wants to give his best on the field and not worry about whether his selection in the team for the upcoming series on home soil.

“Getting a Test cap would be an absolute dream come true, obviously. Test cricket is the pinnacle of cricket in general, and especially Ashes cricket. That’s why we play the game. Who doesn’t pretend to be Australia versus England in the backyard with your little brother? I know I did. In terms of readiness? That’s for the selectors to decide. It’s nothing to do with me. The only thing I can do is keep trying to learn,” Sonny Baker said to Sky Sports.

Baker has already made his ODI and T20I debuts for England, playing one game in both formats. The right-arm seamer, however, is yet to take an international wicket.

Following his success at the domestic level and for England Lions last year, Baker was given an England Central Contract. However, his opportunities with the side have been few and far between. 

As things stand, Baker, who plays for Hampshire in the domestic circuit, has taken 14 wickets from four County Championship matches this season at an average of 26.21. This includes a five-wicket haul against Somerset in Southampton in a losing cause.