England hand 22-year-old debut to announce playing XI for first ODI against South Africa

The Hampshire fast bowler, who featured for the Manchester Originals during The Hundred 2025, Sonny Baker, will make his international debut for the opening ODI game of the three-match series against South Africa at Headingley. The 22-year-old, who is capable of consistently bowling at 90 mph, has picked up 19 wickets so far in 11 List-A games. 

He will be joined in the pace attack by Jofra Archer ater a smooth The Hundred event, who would be playing his first 50-over game since the Champions Trophy 2025, and Brydon Carse. Harry Brook will be leading the side in his second successive series, as Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett will continue to show their dominance in the opening position of the side.

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“We've seen him bowl at some of the best batters in the world, and he had them on toast, so it's been really good to see. He bowls at a high pace, and he can swing it both ways with exceptional death skills as well. To have him in the team and for him to be opening up tomorrow is awesome.” Brook expressed during an interaction.

England name playing XI for opening ODI against South Africa

Just hours after England released a press statement of Jamie Overton deciding to take an indefinite break from the longest format, Brook feels that Baker has all the potential to bring himself into the equation for the upcoming Ashes 2025/26 against Australia down under.

“There have been a few moments. The spells he bowled to Williamson and Warner and then Smith and Bairstow, all four are world-class batters in the shorter format, and he was all over them. He bowled with high pace and high skill. He was awesome to watch this year, and everyone was talking about him.” Brook addressed.

“I don't select the red-ball side, but yeah, he's obviously done really well this summer, and we'll see how he goes tomorrow. He's bowling at high pace with a lot of skill, and it looks like he has quite a lot about him as well.” The England ODI captain revealed.

England’s playing XI for the first ODI vs South Africa

Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler (wk..), Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Sonny Baker.