London: In an impressive display of batting, Rocky Flintoff, the 16-year-old son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, struck his first century for the England Lions at Allan Border Field during the second day of their tour match against a Cricket Australia XI.
Flintoff, who batted at No. 9, played a key role in rescuing the Lions from a precarious position of 161 for 7, smashing a superb 124-ball knock that included six sixes. His energetic performance propelled the Lions to a total of 316, taking a commanding 102-run lead in the first innings.
A Milestone Knock
Flintoff’s century was a brilliant mixture of power and finesse. His sixes, particularly over the leg side, drew comparisons to his father’s trademark strokeplay, showcasing both aggressive and skillful cricket. Celebrating the milestone with a jump and a kiss of the bat, Flintoff’s joy was evident as he reached his century with a well-timed dab for two.
His second fifty came off just 45 balls, demonstrating his rapid acceleration and finishing power. Before his dismissal by off-spinner Raf MacMillan, Flintoff had also formed a vital partnership with fellow young player Freddie McCann. The duo added 66 runs, with McCann contributing a cool 51, including eight fours, before he was sent back to the pavilion.
Lions Bounce Back
Before Flintoff’s intervention, the Lions had collapsed, losing five wickets for 27 runs. However, the young prodigy’s heroics turned the tide in their favor, with a solid contribution from Alex Davies, who scored a 76 at the top of the order.
On the bowling front, Tom Whitney stood out for the Cricket Australia XI, picking up 4 for 72, but his efforts were overshadowed by Flintoff’s dominant innings.
Host Response
The Cricket Australia XI started their response under pressure, finishing the day at 33 for 1. Sam Cook made an early breakthrough by dismissing Henry Hunt for just one, while James Rew was sent packing behind the stumps. Despite this, the hosts remained in the contest, and will look to build on their efforts in the coming days.
With Flintoff’s spectacular innings and Cook’s early breakthrough, the England Lions finished the day with a comfortable lead, holding the advantage going into the third day of the tour match.
Short Scores
- England Lions: 316 (Flintoff 108, Davies 76, McCann 51, Whitney 4-72)
- Cricket Australia XI: 214 (Hicks 64, Brown 5-21)
- Cricket Australia XI: 33 for 1 (Hunt 1, Rew 0*)
