Sonny Baker's Historic Feat: A Bowler's Dream Etched in Cricket History

In a breathtaking display of precision and raw talent, young Somerset fast bowler Sonny Baker has etched his name into the annals of first-class cricket history, achieving a truly unprecedented feat that has left the cricketing world buzzing. Days after receiving his prestigious maiden England Lions call-up, Baker became the fourth bowler ever to contribute to an innings where all 11 opposition batsmen were dismissed via the 'bowled' method.

The extraordinary moment unfolded during a County Championship Division One clash against Nottinghamshire at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton.

While Baker's individual figures for the first innings were an impressive 4/67, it was the manner in which Nottinghamshire's wickets fell that captured attention. Every single one of their 11 batsmen was clean bowled, a collective testament to a relentless and accurate bowling attack, with Baker delivering the crucial blow to the final batsman, Tom Moores, completing this almost mythical sequence.

This 'all-bowled' feat is an incredibly rare gem in the sport, a testament to sustained accuracy and penetration from a bowling unit.

Baker joins an elite club of just three other bowlers who have been credited with achieving such a unique distinction in first-class cricket history. The previous instances date back to J.P. Thompson in 1821, J.C. White in 1923, and C.C. McDonald in 1930. To witness such a statistical anomaly in modern cricket is a remarkable sight, highlighting Baker's exceptional skill and the collective pressure applied by the Somerset attack.

The timing of this historic achievement couldn't be more poignant for Baker.

His recent selection for the England Lions squad, set to tour Australia later this year, underscores his growing stature in English cricket. This call-up itself was a significant milestone, recognizing his burgeoning talent and potential for the national side. To follow it up with such a unique, record-breaking performance only solidifies his reputation as a formidable prospect for the future.

Baker’s performance, marked by his ability to consistently hit the stumps, showcases the kind of bowler he is: precise, relentless, and a genuine wicket-taker.

As he continues his journey, the cricketing community will undoubtedly be watching closely to see what further heights this young, promising talent can reach.