Benjamin Cliff replaces injured Sonny Baker in England's U-19 World Cup squad
Seamer to go home with back stress injury, Ben Cliff called into squad
ESPNcricinfo staff
16-Jan-2022
Sonny Baker was England Young Lions' leading wicket-taker against West Indies last year • Getty Images
Fast bowler Sonny Baker has been ruled out of England's Under-19 World Cup campaign after being diagnosed with a back stress injury. Ben Cliff, who was among the travelling reserves, has been added to the squad.
Baker, the Somerset quick who was expected to lead England's attack in the Caribbean, experienced discomfort while bowling in a warm-up fixture and was subsequently sent for an MRI scan that revealed bone stress in his lumbar spine. He will now return to his county for rehabilitation work.
Yorkshire right-armer Cliff, who picked up four wickets at 23.25 on England's tour of Sri Lanka in December, will come in as Baker's replacement. England started their campaign by bowling out Bangladesh for 97 in St Kitts on Sunday.
Baker's addition was approved by the ICC technical committee and is available for England before their game against Canada.