ESSEX Pirates fans will have their first chance to see veteran England point guard Ronnie Baker in action when they host Glasgow Rocks tomorrow evening.

The 41-year-old is England’s most capped player, having collected 154 caps in an international career that lasted 18 years, culminating with a bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

He made his Pirates debut in Sunday’s 84-63 defeat at Guildford Heat, coming off the bench to lead his side with 17 points in 24 minutes.

And he is loving life back in the BBL.

“It’s good to have returned,” said Baker.

“I always planned to come back at some point, and I was just waiting to see what was happening.

“I found the Guildford game pretty good and it was a lot of fun.

“I felt OK on Monday morning and I did a running session after the game so I warmed down properly.

“I’ve been staying in shape but game fitness is different to anything you do can on your own.

“I felt a bit winded the first three times up and down the court, but it got better after that.”

Baker now wants to help Pirates secure their first success of the season.

The Southend based side have slumped to 23 successive defeats and the veteran feels his team-mates must play more intelligently to grab a victory.

“We’re not the smartest team right now and we need to work on that,” said Baker.

“The guys play hard every night but they need to be smarter.

“Hopefully my experience will help them, and we can win some games.”

Pirates were also seen off by Sheffield Sharks last Friday and that frustrated coach Tim Lewis.

But he was also keen to point out the positives.

“Friday was frustrating as we started well and had a lead with eight minutes gone but we took our foot off the gas and I guess some of that come from not having been in that position too often this season,” said Lewis.

“The third and fourth period were frustrating, but there were some positives from the game.

“Sunday was a much better performance, even though they took the wind of us in the second period.

“There were definitely some good signs.”

The sides have already met this season with Rocks taking the points at ths Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre after a hard-fought 70-58 BBL Championship victory.

However, Rocks coach Sterling Davis is expecting a tough test tomorrow.

“We have seen the Pirates already this season and judging by the last meeting, we will have to be ready for a fight,” said Davis.

“We need to be ready to play from the tip.

“It’s a tough place to play so mentally we have to be ready earlier than later.”