Sonny Baker made an immediate impact for Hampshire against Glamorgan after being released from the England Test squad.
0, 0, W, 1, 0, W: Sonny Baker's first over for Hampshire against Glamorgan
Baker was called in as Brydon Carse’s replacement for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, but wasn’t included in the playing XI. He was subsequently released from the squad by lunch on Thursday, August 27, to join Hampshire for their County Championship clash against Glamorgan in Cardiff.
According to ECB rules, a player released from the England Test squad is allowed to join an in-progress County Championship match in the first two days. Baker was released at 12pm local time and joined Hampshire at around 6pm, replacing Scott Currie in the line-up, who had bowled eight wicketless overs until then.
What an impact from Sonny Baker!
— Rothesay County Championship (@CountyChamp) August 28, 2026
Baker was released from the England Test squad at lunchtime - per ECB rules . And then did THIS with his first over after arriving at Hampshire's match vs Glamorgan pic.twitter.com/YzW6Tp3Cij
Baker impressed right away, dismissing Chris Cooke and Ben Kellaway in his very first over. He castled the former with a beauty of a delivery before Kellaway edged one to wicketkeeper Ben Brown.
As for the match, it was a bowler-friendly 17-wicket day. After opting to bowl first, Glamorgan skittled the visitors for 162 in just 40.2 overs. Hampshire bowlers also enjoyed the conditions, with all of Glamorgan’s top three bagging a duck.
Kellaway and Colin Ingram stabilised the innings with a 65-run partnership, with the former also slamming a brilliant half-century. However, Baker’s inclusion at the fag end of the day’s play left Glamorgan in tatters thanks to his double-wicket first over.
Glamorgan could get to 111 for the loss of seven wickets at stumps on Day 1. Second day's play couldn't start on time due to rain, and at the time of writing, the home team were 115-7, trailing by 47 in the first innings.
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