England Playing XI for 1st ODI against South Africa announced, Sonny Baker set for debut

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced their playing XI for the first ODI of the upcoming series against South Africa at Headingley on Tuesday, September 2. Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker has been selected in the team and will make his international debut during the series opener.

Baker made headlines in The Hundred competition by taking a hat-trick while playing for Manchester Originals against Harry Brook’s Northern Superchargers. Baker became only the fourth bowler in the history of the Men’s Hundred to achieve a hat-trick, joining Sam Curran, Imran Tahir, and Tymal Mills.

Sonny Baker Set To Make England Debut in 1st ODI vs South Africa

"Sonny Baker is set to make his England Men's debut in the first Metro Bank ODI against South Africa on Tuesday, having been named in Harry Brook's starting XI for the fixture," the board released the statement.

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"The Hampshire bowler has impressed for his county, for England Lions and with Manchester Originals in The Hundred in recent months, earning him a place in his first international squad."

Baker has made a name for himself with high-speed deliveries that often exceed 90 mph and the rare skill to swing the ball at such pace.

The 22-year-old fast bowler impressed in domestic white-ball cricket, including notable performances for England Lions and Manchester Originals in The Hundred. Earlier this year, Baker made his first-class debut for England Lions in Sydney against Australia A.

He earned a maiden call-up to the England squad for the South Africa series. For the first ODI, Baker will share the bowling duties with Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, who return after missing the final Test against India, while Adil Rashid manages spin on home ground.

England Announce Playing XI for First ODI Against South Africa

Jamie Smith (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Will Jacks (Surrey), Brydon Carse (Durham), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Sonny Baker (Hampshire)

England Name Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett as Opening Batsmen

England have named wicketkeeper batter Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett as opening batsmen. Veteran batter Joe Root will play at number three after a phenomenal year, having scored 604 runs in nine ODIs. Harry Brook will bat at number four and lead the national cricket team as captain.

Jofra Archer will add pace and unpredictability, though his fitness will be carefully monitored. Experienced players like leg spinner Adil Rashid and former skipper Jos Buttler provide balance, while youngsters such as Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks will be looking to make an impact.

The England national cricket team aims to bounce back after disappointing campaigns in the ODI World Cup 2023 and the Champions Trophy 2025.

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