Sonny Baker signs Somerset contract extension

The 19-year-old has made 11 List A appearances for Somerset, scoring 12 runs and taking 19 wickets at 25.42, as well as making three appearances for Southern Brave in 2022

Sonny Baker has signed a one-year contract extension with Somerset which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2024 season.

The 19-year-old, who came through the Devon pathway before turning out for Somerset's 2nd XI in 2019, made his first-team debut against Derbyshire in the 2021 Royal London Cup.

He has since made 11 List A appearances for Somerset, scoring 12 runs and taking 19 wickets at 25.42.

The England Under-19 international also made three appearances for Southern Brave in the 2022 edition of The Hundred, taking two wickets.

Commenting on his contract extension, Baker said: "I'm delighted to have signed an extension. Last year was a bit frustrating because of injury, but I'm all healed now and I'm looking forward to pushing for some more first team cricket and bowling quick again. I'm desperate to get some ball speeds in the 90s after hitting 89 in Cardiff last year.

^{Baker picked up career-best figures of 6 for 46 against Durham in 2022 [Harry Trump/Getty Images]}

"We'll see how things go, but in the next two years I really hope that I can make my debut in the Championship and in T20 cricket. I hope to do that next year, but I know that there's a lot of work to do between now and then.

"It means a massive amount to me to represent Somerset. The support that we get here is different to everywhere else we play. There's a great environment here and everyone talks about Somerset as the best place to play."

Director of cricket, Andy Hurry, added: "To see Sonny's development journey from the academy to 1st XI opportunities within the One-Day Cup has been really exciting and we are looking forward to seeing his progression continue.

"Sonny is a young man who is determined to achieve his potential and we are working hard to help ensure that he fulfils his aspirations. He is driven, has an outstanding work ethic and is determined to get better every single day.

"We have seen what he is capable of during his appearances in the One-Day Cup over the last two years and I think our members and supporters will agree that he is a player of considerable promise."

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