King’s College duo Rew and Baker earn England Test debuts

Two former King’s College pupils, James Rew and Sonny Baker, are set to realise a shared dream as they step onto the international stage for England in Test cricket, a moment that reflects years of dedication forged on school grounds and beyond.

Rew, a wicketkeeper-batter, has been called up to make his Test debut against New Zealand, becoming one of several fresh faces introduced into the England side during the series. Alongside him is fast bowler Sonny Baker, meaning the pair will join the same match squad as part of an exciting new generation breaking into the national team.  

Their journeys began much earlier at King’s College, where both players developed their skills and love for the game. For Rew, the connection runs especially deep having started at the school from nursery, his rise through the ranks has been shaped by years of consistent progression through its cricket programme. From early days on junior pitches to representing the school’s top XI, Rew built the technical foundation and temperament that underpin his success today. 

Baker’s pathway to King’s adds another dimension to the story. Joining from Torquay and emerging through the Devon cricketing system a region that continues to serve as an important feeder into the school he brought with him strong foundations that were further developed within King’s high-performance environment. There, competitive fixtures and expert coaching helped refine his pace, control, and match awareness. 

Rew, widely regarded as one of the most promising young wicketkeeper-batters in the country, has earned recognition for his composure at the crease and reliability behind the stumps. For Baker, his selection reflects England’s faith in his raw pace and potential impact with the ball, the latest step in a steady progression from school cricket to the professional game. 

While their England debuts mark a new chapter, both players’ stories remain closely tied to King’s College,  where long hours of practice, school fixtures, and early encouragement and courage laid the groundwork for this achievement. As they step out in England whites, Rew and Baker carry not only personal ambition but also the pride of a school that helped shape their path to the highest level of the game.