At just 16 years old, Rocky Flintoff, son of England cricket legend Andrew Flintoff, made a significant impact in his early professional career by top-scoring with 88 for Lancashire against Middlesex.
Flintoff, who only turned 16 in April, has been making headlines this season with centuries for Lancashire's second team and England Under-19s. He signed his first professional contract with Lancashire in June and has since played in four matches in the 50-over MetroBank One-Day Cup. On his debut, at 16 years and 113 days, he became Lancashire’s youngest-ever player.
In a team that featured nine homegrown players alongside two overseas professionals—Australia's Chris Green and India's Venkatesh Iyer—Flintoff stood out as Lancashire posted 233 in an innings shortened to 48 overs due to rain. He came to the crease early, with Lancashire struggling at 25 for two, and formed a crucial 58-run partnership with fellow England Under-19 player Keshana Fonseka, who was making his debut. Flintoff then guided the tail before being dismissed on the last ball of the innings, caught at long-off by Josh de Caires, the 22-year-old son of Michael Atherton, who was once Andrew Flintoff's teammate at Lancashire and England. De Caires had earlier claimed one for 17 from five overs of off-spin.
Flintoff's knock included six fours—highlighted by elegant drives and reverse sweeps—and two sixes, culminating in a 115-ball 88. His innings were the highest score of the match, as no other Lancashire batsman surpassed Fonseka’s 42.
Despite his impressive performance, Lancashire could not secure their first win of the season, losing to Middlesex by five wickets.
Rocky’s older brother, 18-year-old Corey Flintoff, has also been playing for Lancashire’s second team this season but has yet to sign a professional contract.
Their father, Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, is currently the head coach of the Northern Superchargers in the men’s Hundred competition, marking his first coaching role. Freddie returned to cricket with the England set-up last September, following a severe car crash while filming the BBC show Top Gear in December 2022. His latest television project, Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams on Tour, premieres on Tuesday.