Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker says earning a Test cap this summer would be “an absolute dream come true”, but stresses his focus remains on performing for his county while leaving international selection to the decision-makers.
The 23-year-old has been mentioned as a candidate for England’s first Test squad of the summer, with the three-Test series against New Zealand due to begin at Lord’s on June 4. England’s attack is in transition: Chris Woakes has retired, Mark Wood and Brydon Carse are sidelined by injury, and Jofra Archer is currently playing in the IPL and may need red‑ball game time before a recall.
Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports as part of his involvement with the children’s charity Chance to Shine, Baker reflected on the lessons learned since difficult senior international outings late last year and on the prospect of a Test debut.
“Getting a Test cap would be an absolute dream come true,” he said. “Test cricket is the pinnacle… that’s why we play the game. Who didn’t pretend to be Australia versus England in the backyard? I know I did. In terms of readiness, that’s for the selectors to decide. The only thing I can do is keep trying to learn.”
Baker broke through for many with a standout Hundred campaign for Manchester Originals, which led to ODI and T20I debuts for England in September. Those introductions proved challenging: on ODI debut at Headingley he conceded 76 off seven wicketless overs, 56 of those runs coming in his first four overs, and he then gave up 52 from four overs on his T20I debut against Ireland.
“I’m not going to pretend I wasn’t upset,” Baker admitted. “I was absolutely gutted after the game; it was a really tough day emotionally. I was so excited, wasn’t sure how it was going to go, and then you get a first-baller as your team is bowled out for 130… you’re somewhat on a hiding to nothing. But I kept charging in, kept going and was pretty happy with how I handled myself on the day — as much as I was gutted with my figures.”
He has since responded positively with a strong start to the 2026 county season for Hampshire, even as the team have struggled at the bottom of Division One early on. Baker has taken 14 wickets at an average of 26.21, including a third career five-wicket haul against his former county, Somerset.
“Last year I was mostly asked to crank up the pace and be a strike bowler,” he said. “This year I’ve been given the opportunity to swing the ball more and have shown I can do that. I feel like I’ve put on a bit of pace since last year, and I’m managing myself better during games so I can still go to that sixth or seventh gear past the 30-over mark.”
On contact from the England setup, Baker confirmed he has had some communication but no firm promises. “I’ve had the odd message from Keysey, which is good. We’ve spoken about my long-term red-ball development, but I haven’t had any clear direction of ‘you’ll be in this, that or the other’ — and I wouldn’t expect it. That’s where you start getting ahead of yourself. How about just bowl in the game you’re in, take wickets in the game you’re in. Do your job and then that will take care of itself.”
Baker was speaking at John Henry Newman Academy as Chance to Shine celebrated its eight millionth participant since launching in 2005. The charity now works in about one in four state primary schools across England and Wales each year, introducing children to cricket and supporting their continued participation.
England’s home summer begins with the New Zealand Test series at Lord’s on June 4.