England hand ODI debut to Baker for series opener against South Africa

Pace bowler Sonny Baker will make his England debut in the first one-day (ODI) international against South Africa on Tuesday after impressing in the Hundred.

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The 22-year-old will line up alongside Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse in a three-man pace attack at Headingley.

Baker took nine wickets in seven appearances for the Manchester Originals in the Hundred franchise competition, including a hat-trick against England white-ball captain Harry Brook's Northern Superchargers last month.

"He's been awesome in the Hundred. We've seen him bowl at some of the best batters in the world and he’s had them on toast,” said Brook.

The skipper praised Baker’s pace, ability to swing the ball and his bowling at the end of matches.

“Quite a lot of people are excited to see where he goes,” he added. “It looks like he has quite a lot about him.”

The team announcement came as England all-rounder Jamie Overton ruled himself out of contention for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, placing his red-ball career on hold.

“After a great deal of thought I have decided to take an indefinite break from red-ball cricket,” the Surrey paceman posted on social media.