Baker, 21, given England deal after Lions success

Baker dismissed Australia internationals Aaron Hardie and Xavier Bartlett on his first-class debut

Twenty-one-year-old fast bowler Sonny Baker has been given a development central contract by England after impressing on the Lions tour of Australia.

Baker's only first-class match to date is the match against Australia A, in which he took 3-60.

He also took five wickets in a match against a Cricket Australia XI earlier in the tour and is understood to have impressed the England hierarchy.

"He and I are very different in character and personality, but it has been a delight to see the pride he takes in wearing the Three Lions, the energy he brings to every ball, and the theatre and magic he creates on the pitch," former England all-rounder and current Lions coach Andrew Flintoff said.

"His professionalism and dedication to every aspect of his game are an example to all.

"Sonny has a bright future ahead, and we look forward to continuing to work with him and Hampshire over the coming years."

Baker, a right-arm quick who has been recorded at speeds around 90mph, came through the Somerset academy but left the county to join Hampshire after the 2024 season.

He made his T20 debut for Southern Brave in The Hundred in 2022 and took 19 wickets in 11 One-Day Cup matches for Somerset.

He joins Hampshire team-mate John Turner and Leicestershire left-arm quick Josh Hull on England development deals - the level below the 27 players on full England contracts. Baker's deal runs until September 2025.

All-rounder Jacob Bethell was awarded a development contract last year but was upgraded to a full deal a month later after impressing on his Test debut against New Zealand.

Bethell, 21, was the latest in a line of players to be handed a Test cap by England despite limited first-class experience.

Hull played in the third Test against Sri Lanka aged 20 in September while Shoaib Bashir made his debut last year in India at the same age, having played six first-class matches.

Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed became the youngest man to play a Test for England when he was picked by captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum in 2022.

The fact Baker's Lions performances have come in Australia is also significant, given England's senior side travel down under for the Ashes later this year.