Freddie Flintoff’s 16-year-old son shows shades of his dad in brilliant England display

Rocky Flintoff, the son of cricketing legend Freddie Flintoff, scored 106 on debut for England U19s

The 16-year-old displayed flashes of his father's batting talent against a Young Lions Invitational XI ahead of a three-match youth ODI series against Sri Lanka. England were in a difficult position when Flintoff entered the game, having lost both their openers in the first five overs and standing at 52-4.

However, the teenager did not feel the pressure, forming an 81-run partnership with Charlie Allison to put England in a strong position to chase down 288. By the time Flintoff was caught on 106, England only needed 14 more runs, which Harry Moore and Tazeem Ali provided, securing the victory by two wickets.

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Flintoff's game-changing innings included eight fours and three sixes from 111 balls. In a fascinating turn of events, Archie Vaughan, son of 2005 Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan, was playing for the opposing side.

Vaughan, 18, scored a stunning 85 from 83 balls, top-scoring for the Lions with 10 fours and a six. The allrounder also bowled eight overs, claiming two wickets.

The match saw Flintoff given the honour of playing for England U19s for the first time, an experience that would've filled his family with joy. His mum Rachel was there to watch the proud moment at Loughborough.

Preston cricketing legend Freddie Flintoff couldn't be there to witness his son Rocky's proud moment due to his coaching commitments with England ahead of their crucial T20 World Cup semi-final against India on Thursday. England are reigning T20 world champions and will be determined to reach the final and defend the trophy.

The England U19 squad will begin their series against Sri Lanka in Chelmsford on Friday and Flintoff isn't the only one with cricketing heritage in the ranks. Luc Benkenstein, son of Lancashire head coach Dale, Haydon Mustard, son of former England wicketkeeper Phil, and Farhan Ahmed, brother to rising England talent Rehan, are all included.

Rocky's rise to the England U19 side comes after impressing in Lancashire's 2nd XI, where he notched up a century against Warwickshire in April, playing alongside his older brother Corey, aged 18. Lancashire recognised the young Flintoff's potential by awarding him his first professional contract this month.

Upon signing, an elated Flintoff said: "I'm very happy. 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."

"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 honour. 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."

It means that the 16-year-old will be playing for the county that his dad represented throughout his career. However, he has a long road ahead if he wants to emulate his father. Flintoff Snr retired from international cricket back in 2009, with 3,845 runs and 226 wickets from 79 Test matches.