Watch: Rocky Flintoff has continued his rapid rise to cricket stardom with a maiden century for England U19s against Sri Lanka U19s today (July 18), aged just 16-years-old.
Flintoff, who is the son of former England allrounder Andrew Flintoff, reached his century off 194 balls on Day Two of the second unofficial Test match of the series at Cheltenham.
Having bowled the Sri Lanka side out for 153, England capitalised on a good second-wicket partnership between Jadyn Denly (nephew of Joe Denly) and Keshana Fonseka, reaching 139-1 after Archie Vaughan (son of Michael Vaughan) was out in the ninth over of the innings.
Captain Hamza Shaikh also reached a century, batting at four, sharing a 121-run stand with Flintoff, who came in at six. Flintoff reached three figures with a drive down the ground for a quick single, sliding his bat in as a throw from the fielder came in well wide of the stumps. He celebrated with a punch of the air with his glove, and leapt into the air before acknowledging his teammates.
A rapid rise for young Flintoff
The 16-year-old first came into the limelight earlier in the summer, when he hit a century for Lancashire second XI at Edgbaston, playing shots which looked eerily similar to those his father played almost 20 years ago.
He then signed his first professional contract for Lancashire, before being selected for both England U19 white ball and red ball series' against Sri Lanka.
Following reaching three figures, Flintoff was dismissed for 106. Having won the youth ODI series 2-1, a win in the 'Test match' would see England U19 take the red ball series after a draw in the first game.
Watch Rocky Flintoff score and celebrate his maiden England U19 century
The knock:
Another England U19s century for Rocky Flintoff against Sri Lanka! 👏🏴
— Lancashire Lightning (@lancscricket) July 18, 2024
106 runs off 181 balls, with 9 fours and 2 sixes! Here is the best of Rocky’s knock! 🎥👇
🌹 #RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/eEl60ERQI9
The celebration:
With a quality static cam celebration to boot 🤌🏿 https://t.co/0nUkGwOCPs pic.twitter.com/MLvmr9IZec
— Vithushan Ehantharajah (@Vitu_E) July 18, 2024
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