England to Face South Africa in ODI Series from Sept 2; Young Pacer Sonny Baker Set for Debut at Headingley

England and South Africa will begin their three-match ODI series on September 2. Sonny Baker, a 22-year-old fast bowler, will play his first ODI for England at Headingley against South Africa. Sonny Baker, 22, gave an outstanding performance in "The Hundred" while playing for Manchester Originals. Sonny may join the England squad for the Ashes tour of Australia later this year, according to reports.

Baker of Hampshire played for the England Lions against Australia-A in Sydney in January 2025, marking his first appearance in a class match. In 13 innings of seven first-class matches, Sonny Baker claimed 22 wickets at an average of 33.90. In 11 List-A games, Sonny has taken 19 wickets aside from this.  Sonny Baker played 21 matches in his T20 career, in which he took 24 wickets. Baker can bowl continuously at a speed of 145, but even more dangerous is his ability to swing with speed.

A total of 71 ODI matches have been played between England and South Africa since 1992, in which England won 30 matches, while it lost 35 matches. One match between the two teams was tied. At the same time, five matches remained inconclusive. The first match of the ODI series between England and South Africa is to be played in Leeds, after which the second match will be held in London on 4 September. The third match will be played in Southampton on 7 September.

After the ODI series, both teams will play a three-match T20 series. The first match will be played in Cardiff on 10 September, while the next match will be held in Manchester on 12 September. The third and final match of the series is to be played in Nottingham on 14 September.

England's playing 11 for the first ODI: Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Harry Brook (captain), Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, and Sonny Baker.