Rocky Flintoff. (Source – Twitter/X)
At just 16 years old, Rocky Flintoff has taken his first big step towards following in his father’s footsteps by signing a professional contract with Lancashire. The teenager caught the eye with some explosive performances for the county’s second XI this summer, including a brilliant century against Warwickshire. His arrival on the scene is reminiscent of his father Andrew Flintoff’s rapid rise through the ranks.
Now it is Rocky’s turn to take those first strides, having drafted his first professional deal with his home county this week. He revealed that signing his first contract was a dream come true for him.
“I’m very happy and excited to have signed my first professional contract with Lancashire. It’s something that I’ve been working towards since I started playing cricket, so to sign for my home county is a dream come true,” Rocky said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The 16-year-old joined the Lancashire Academy in 2023 and was picked in the England Under-19s squad to play Sri Lanka earlier this week. This season, he has made four appearances for the second XI, scoring fifty runs against Durham and a century against Warwickshire.
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I have loved playing for the Second XI so far this season: Rocky Flintoff
The batting prodigy has been part of the Lancashire set-up since eight years of age. He said that he continues to work hard and has loved to play for the Second XI.
“I’ve been with the club since I was 8 years old, so to have the opportunity to keep representing the Red Rose is a big honor. I have loved playing for the Second XI so far this season and I’m looking forward to continuing to work hard on all aspects of my game,” he added.
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Lancashire’s director of cricket performance Mark Chilton also heaped praise for Rocky. Chilton expressed that the young Flintoff needs to work hard in the years to come.
“He has impressed the coaching staff with his performances and determined attitude for the Second XI already this season. He is a grounded individual and knows the work starts now for him to fulfill his potential in the years ahead. Rocky will be away with the England U19s for the next couple of weeks, and we look forward to welcoming him into the professional squad after that,” he said.