Former South Africa opener tips 22-Year-Old England pacer as wildcard pick for SRH and Ashes 2025

Former South African opener Sarel Johannes Erwee has praised England’s young pacer Sonny Baker, urging his inclusion in the squad for The Ashes 2025. Erwee, who retired from all formats earlier this year, took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts, stating that Baker’s skillset would be highly effective in Australian conditions. The five-match Test series between England and Australia begins on November 21, 2025, and Erwee believes Baker’s pace and style could make a notable impact. He also mentioned that if Baker doesn’t make the Test squad, he would still be an exciting prospect to watch in the SA20 League, adding fuel to the growing buzz around the 22-year-old.

Sonny Baker first made headlines when he was selected for England’s Under-19 squad in 2021. Although injury ruled him out of the World Cup the following year, his ability to generate sharp inswing was highly regarded. Baker is among the rare bowlers to have earned an England development contract before debuting in the County Championship. He showcased his potential in Australia, taking three wickets in 18 overs in a one-off Test for the England Lions. Since moving from Hampshire to Somerset last year, Baker impressed further, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in just his second County Championship match against reigning champions Surrey.

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“Huuuuuge shout this, I know, BUT I’d put Sonny Baker on that plane to Aus for the Ashes—Bowls rockets and shapes it nicely. Yes, he’s inexperienced, but it looks like he has that X factor! If not… maybe SA20 then. Adrian Birrell coaches him at Hampshire, so how about Sunrisers?” Erwee wrote on his X handle. 

Sonny Baker has been phenomenal in The Hundred's so far

Baker, who missed the last season due to injury, took 2-26 in the side’s campaign opener. His performances in the ongoing edition prove why the Englishman is being highly rated. Notably, the uncapped pacer was retained by the Originals despite missing the entire last season. According to BBC Sport, Baker has the second-highest average speed in this year’s Hundred at 85.6 mph. He was included in the playing XI at the expense of 43-year-old James Anderson. Representing Manchester Originals, he produced an inspiring spell against London Spirit on Monday, August 11. The right-arm pacer conceded just four runs in his first 10 balls against international batting stalwarts like David Warner and Kane Williamson.

He then dismissed Australian all-rounder Ashton Turner to finish the spell, conceding only 21 runs off 20 deliveries. He was the most economical among all bowlers in the match. His spell paved the way for the Originals’ emphatic 10-run win over the Spirits despite Warner’s brisk 71-run knock. After the win, the Originals skipper Phil Salt couldn’t resist comparing the 22-year-old uncapped player with the legendary James Anderson.