Analysis by BBC chief cricket correspondent Stefan Shimelt
Even after his stunning rise last summer, eyebrows were raised when Rocky Flintoff was selected as part of England Lions’ tour of Australia, a trip partly designed to prepare for the Ashes Down Under later this year.
Flintoff was quietly added to the Lions’ squad in South Africa in December, albeit when he was already in the country with the England Under-19s, but this looks like a big step for a youngster who is averaging 12 from his four top-flight appearances. Since the coach was his father, there were rumors of nepotism.
And now we have another milestone in a wonderful story. The CA XI’s bowling attack was made up of youngsters and journeymen, but Flintoff made runs where others close to the England senior team did not.
He may now have put himself in line to play in the ‘Test’ against a very strong Australia side in Sydney next week.
It’s easy to make comparisons with his father. The shots Rocky plays are almost an avatar for Andrew. They even run in a similar way.
Its development is also strongly protected. Andrew has barely spoken to the media since returning to cricket after suffering a life-changing accident while filming an episode of Top Gear. So far, every request to hear from Rocky has been denied.
With Archie Vaughan currently captaining the England Under-19s, there is an understandable excitement about the children of legends making their way in the game, although it is not limited to youngsters with famous surnames. Keep an eye on James Minto, Harry Moore, Thomas Rio and Farhan Ahmed.