Hampshire bowler Sonny Baker on England Test debut and mentorship

Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker has been reflecting on the “life-changing” mentorship provided by county team-mate Kyle Abbott that led to him making his England Test debut.

The 23-year-old came into Brendon McCullum’s side for the second Test against New Zealand, taking three wickets across both innings at the Oval.

Baker was one of three debutants in the team, alongside James Rew and Jordan Cox, and despite England losing by 253 runs, Baker was delighted to be given a chance to play for his country.

“It’s been awesome to get around the group and what an experience to have at such a young age,” he told BBC South Today.

“It’s all well and good hearing that Test cricket is a different standard and a step-up, but when you really experience it, it gives me a really clear picture of what I need to go away and work on if I’m going to come back into that environment.

“I was chatting with Kyle, who was good enough to come into the ground just to chat to me the other day. We had a really good reflection on it all where I got a bit emotional and we had a little cuddle after talking about the whole journey.

“I felt like I was repeating things to him that he had already said to me but I really understood them this time.”