Harry Brook says England will “get behind” rookie quick Sonny Baker after the 22-year-old endured a chastening first one-day international in Tuesday’s heavy defeat to South Africa at Headingley.
England were bundled out for 131 in just 24.5 overs, leaving Baker with almost nothing to defend. The Somerset fast bowler, capped by fellow Old Tauntonian Jos Buttler before play, finished with 0 for 76 from seven overs – the most runs conceded by an England debutant, and an economy rate (10.85) that is the second-worst for any bowler sending down at least six overs on debut.
Brook, captaining the side while Buttler rested a minor calf niggle, accepted the team had set Baker up for a grim afternoon. “It’s not probably the ideal start, having to defend 130,” he said at the presentation ceremony. He did not sugar-coat England’s batting either, adding that the display “wasn’t good enough” and that there were “no excuses”.
South Africa’s stand-in skipper Aiden Markram sensed blood straight away. Three of Baker’s first five deliveries disappeared to the rope and the powerplay ended with the visitors 67 without loss. Markram’s 50 came in 23 balls; by then England were effectively practising for the next match. Brook, though, appreciated the way Baker kept running in. “Everybody will get behind him,” he said. “That’s the nature of this group. We are such a tight-knit group. We’re all good mates. We spend a lot of time away from the game together as well.”
There were small wins in a bruising spell. Brought back from the Kirkstall Lane End—the easier downhill run—Baker shipped just two singles in his fifth over. It was fleeting, but the captain noticed. “He’s had a tough day, but the way that he just kept on cracking on and digging deep, to keep on running in and try and get wickets there for us, even after getting a little bit of tap, was awesome to see. And that’s exactly what we asked of every bowler.”
With the match all but decided, Brook rotated his attack more for experience than outcome. “I was just trying to get him a wicket, to be honest,” he said. “Obviously we didn’t get off to the greatest of starts with the ball. After the start that they got, I knew that we were never really going to win the game. It was just a matter of trying to get him a pole at that time, and the lads trying to develop and upskill their skills, that they’ve been working on in practice and trying to take them into a game.”
Statistically, England have suffered worse overall bowling figures—Adil Rashid once leaked 110 in ten—but debut memories linger. Markram’s assault was relentless, supported by Ryan Rickelton’s run-a-ball 47 as South Africa cruised home with 32.1 overs to spare. Brook credited the chase. “The way that they chased that, with Markham coming out and going really ultra-aggressive, was the perfect way to chase a low score, especially in the powerplay, when you’ve only got one or two people out,” he noted.
England will make a late call on selection for Thursday’s second ODI at Lord’s. Reece Topley is available after resting a side strain, while Chris Woakes bowled seven overs in the nets on Monday and could slot straight back in. But management are reluctant to jolt Baker out of the firing line after one poor night. Assistant coach Carl Hopkinson hinted the youngster might learn more by going again at the home of cricket than sitting in the pavilion counting the pigeons.
For all the bruises, there is perspective. Baker’s raw pace—he topped 145 kph in The Hundred—and skiddy follow-through remain assets England think will translate once he finds the right lengths on truer pitches. If he plays at Lord’s, he may enjoy the extra bounce from the slope; if he sits out, the dressing-room pledge is to keep him involved.
Brook’s closing thought summed up the mood: the squad have 48 hours to flush the defeat, fix the batting and find a way of easing a young seamer back into international cricket. Support, not scapegoating, is the theme.
