THINGS CAN ONLY GET BETTER

Sadly, there is no good news from Headingley on Sonny Baker’s England ODI debut – possibly as a result of the Sky commentator’s curse on players this season - not doing well after being interviewed pre-match.  That saying Mike Atherton was very complementary about how well Sonny interviewed.

Prior to play, Sonny was presented with his England cap by fellow Manchester Original and King’s College Taunton old boy Josh Buttler.

South Africa won the toss and asked England to have a bat and there was the Great Collapse to 131 all out in just 24.3 overs having been 102 for 4 after 17.2 overs.  Sonny was last out for a Golden Duck bowled by Keshav Maharaj.

When South Africa went out to bat, Sonny had the honour of bowling the first over but Aiden Markram took a liking to his bowling and was soon removed from the attack but not before the Sky cameras had zoomed in on Ian and Jackie.  Having originally bowled up the hill, he had the courage to comeback for a second spell coming down the hill made by Bob Willis in 1981 namely the Kirkstall Road End.  Alas Sonny’s 7 overs went for 76.

Hopefully Sonny will have better luck at the Home of Cricket on Thursday (if selected).