The Manchester Originals secured a crucial 10-run win over the London Spirit in The Hundred and one young fast bowler's performance stole the spotlight.
Sonny Baker, who is just 22, bowled a composed spell that drew high praise from captain Phil Salt, even earning comparisons to England legend James Anderson.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Facing the experienced pair of David Warner and Kane Williamson, Baker delivered pace, swing and precision. He helped his side control the game from the outset.
Phil Salt compares Sonny Baker to James Anderson
Baker opened the London Spirit's chase with five dot balls and conceded only four runs in his first 10 deliveries. Salt told Sky Sports:
"Jimmy had a rest today but that is the closest to what he did, if not better. It will be hard to pick seamers for the next match," said Salt.
More: Sourav Ganguly pushes for new India Test No. 3: Abhimanyu Easwaran asked to bat in middle order
Even Anderson himself was impressed, noting Baker's pace and ability to swing the ball both ways. Baker finished with 2-22; dismissing Australia's Ashton Turner late in the game after troubling Warner early on.
Baker's control and movement earned him the Player of the Match award. His average speed of 85.6mph ranks second-highest in this year's competition.
Baker's rise comes after a winter with the England Lions where he impressed with eight wickets in Australia. He signed with Hampshire from Somerset last year and took his first County Championship five-wicket haul earlier this season.
While an Ashes call-up remains unlikely this year, his form in The Hundred could see him considered for England's white-ball squads against South Africa, Sri Lanka, Ireland and New Zealand. More performances like this could fast-track his international debut.