Sonny Baker shines on Test debut, taking 2-63 as England bowl New Zealand out for 291-7

England fast bowler Sonny Baker made a memorable Test debut on day one of the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, taking 2-63 from 15 overs to help restrict the visitors to 291-7. The 23-year-old Hampshire quick bounced back from previous disappointing international appearances to produce his best performance in an England shirt, showcasing his characteristic energy and enthusiasm. Baker’s first wicket—Rachin Ravindra caught at gully—came in his seventh over, and he later dismissed key batsman Daryl Mitchell. "Awesome, could you tell?" Baker said when asked about his day. "I'm so thankful to have a proper debut that is reflective of where I'm at. My biggest learning from the Ireland debut was I felt like I wasn't being myself."

Baker, who had previously recorded the worst 50-over figures by an England debutant against South Africa and went wicketless on his T20 bow in Ireland, credited a commitment to authenticity for his turnaround. "That's just how I am. I made a big commitment to myself coming into this, of that's how I want to be and go about things. That's me, so I might as well be authentic," he said. His expressive style—hopping and stepping into his run, throwing his arms in the air, and smiling at batsmen—was on full display, earning praise from England coach Brendon McCullum, who believes Baker is "going to be a cricketer the country really gets behind."

The match saw England name three debutants in their XI for the first time in nine years, including wicketkeeper James Rew and batsman Jordan Cox. Rew received his cap from Somerset teammate Marcus Trescothick, Cox from Essex legend Nasser Hussain, and Baker was handed his from former England fast bowler Steven Finn. Baker admitted the cap presentation was emotional and that he struggled to eat the night before due to nerves. "Even last night I was struggling to eat, and fuelling as a fast bowler is super important," he said. "This morning I felt the anxiety build up in my stomach."

England made a solid start despite the absence of captain Ben Stokes, with Baker's early aggression creating pressure. His third delivery beat the edge of Henry Nicholls’ bat, followed by a glare and then a smile when the next ball was missed. "I'm the biggest carry-on ever," Baker added. "Surely I should get stuck in, oohs and aahs if the ball beats the bat, super excited, a long follow-through every time that happens." The crowd at The Oval responded warmly, with a section rising to applaud him after his first wicket. Baker’s performance lifted the mood after a difficult week for English cricket.