Rocky Flintoff, the 16-year-old son of England great Andrew Flintoff, has received his maiden call-up to England U19 squad for their upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka.
The younger Flintoff shot to attention when a video of him batting at Edgbaston for Lancashire second XI went viral earlier this year for his uncanny resemblence in technique to his father. In the clip, he was seen playing a pull shot which looked almost identical to Flintoff senior, and even walked down the pitch with the trademark Flintoff swagger. The video just a snapshot of his innings, Flintoff Jr went on to reach his first second XI century in that match, his 116 featuring 11 fours and three sixes. He became the youngest ever player to make a century for Lancashire second XI, beating the record set by his father.
Despite only turning 16 two months ago, Flintoff's display clearly impressed England scouts, given he has now been included in the U19 squad. The side will be captained by Essex's Luc Benkenstein, son of former South Africa all-rounder Dale. Included in the squad is also Farhan Ahmed, younger brother of England Test spinner Rehan, who became the youngest player to represent England U19s in a World Cup last year, which he did aged just 15. There are also other familial connections in the squad, with Thomas Rew - brother of Somerset wicketkeeping protigee James - and Haydon Mustard - son of former England keeper Phil - also earning call-ups.
2005 x 2024
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 24, 2024
Andrew Flintoff and his 16-year-old son, Rocky, share a near identical batting technique 🤯
Look at those pull shots! 😮pic.twitter.com/wFrbJCFjs8
Andrew Flintoff is currently with the England's men's T20 World Cup squad in the Caribbean, following his return to the fold as a coach last year. He will coach Northern Superchargers in the Men's Hundred later this summer. He earned 79 Test caps for England, as well as making 148 white-ball appearances.
Another of Flintoff's sons, Corey, aged 18, has also featured in Lancashire's second XI this year, sharing a 39-run stand with his brother at Edgbaston.
England U19s will play three ODIs against Sri Lanka U19s, with the first scheduled for June 28 at Chelmsford. The following two matches will be played at Hove on July 1 and 3 respectively. The series will be followed by two youth Tests, the squad for which will be announced later this month.
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