David Lloyd urges Flintoff to be fast-tracked after 123 in One-Day Cup
On August 12, 2026, former England batter David Lloyd said Rocky Flintoff should be fast-tracked into the England team after the 18-year-old produced a maiden List A century for Lancashire against Somerset in the One-Day Cup. Flintoff scored 123 off 76 balls, reaching his hundred in 65 deliveries as Lancashire posted 443 for six and then bowled Somerset out for 269 to win by 174 runs.
Flintoff made his Lancashire debut in the One-Day Cup in July 2024 at the age of 16 years and 111 days, becoming the county's youngest-ever player. He later became the youngest England Under-19 batter to score a century when he hit 106 against Sri Lanka. In January 2025 he scored 126 for the England Lions against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane; at 16 years and 291 days he became the youngest player to score a century for the Lions, surpassing the record previously held by his father, Andrew Flintoff. A back injury in 2025 disrupted his development, but he has returned strongly this season.
Flintoff arrived at the crease with Lancashire 138 for three and shared a fourth-wicket stand of 214 with Keaton Jennings, who made 156 off 127 balls. Flintoff's 123 came off 76 balls and his hundred arrived in 65 deliveries, contributing to Lancashire's 443 for six before Somerset were dismissed for 269. Lancashire secured a 174-run victory.
“I just think he can actually be fast-tracked. He’s got everything. I think he’s an international cricketer. He’s very similar in his mannerisms to his dad, and certainly he has a short-arm jab, pull shot, and he’s about six foot five anyway; he’s a big lad, and he can pull it away into the leg-side, very reminiscent of his father,” Lloyd said in an interview with Track Radio.
“He’s a lovely lad, he’s got a good temperament. And I just think that it can actually be fast-tracked. When you look at a player, somebody’s got to make a judgement as to what standard they're going to be. And I think England have been pretty good in recent years in identifying talent and stretching and pushing them forward, and I think they can do that with Flintoff,” Lloyd added.
A truly incredible innings from Rocky Flintoff pic.twitter.com/JO31Y1eAZw— Metro Bank One Day Cup (@onedaycup) August 12, 2026
Before the Somerset century he had scored 473 runs in 15 List A innings at an average of 39.41. His latest knock further strengthened his credentials in senior cricket.
While an England call-up may still be some distance away, Lloyd's assessment reflects the growing belief around Flintoff's potential. With his imposing six-foot-five frame, attacking strokeplay and temperament, the youngster could be one of the most intriguing prospects in English cricket over the coming years.
