SOMERSET youngster, Sonny Baker has signed a contract extension which will see him stay at the Cooper Associates County Ground until at least the end of the 2024 season.

Sonny’s current contract was due to expire at the end of the 2023 season, but the Club have moved to secure his services for an initial additional year.

The 19-year-old, who hails from Torquay where he plays his club cricket and was educated at King’s College, grew up playing through the Devon youth system, and first played for Somerset Second XI in 2019.

After signing his contract extension, Sonny 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.

“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.”

Somerset director of cricket, Andy Hurry added: “To see Sonny’s development journey from the Academy to First XI opportunities within the One-Day Cup has been really exciting and we are looking forward to seeing his progression continue.

“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.”