The Rocky sequel everyone in the game is talking about

The talented Rocky Flintoff, 16, appears unfazed by dad Freddie’s rich England legacy

- Richard Edwards

On Andrew Flintoff's last visit to Brisbane with England, in November 2006, the captain watched on as Steve Harmison delivered the most infamous opening ball of any Ashes series - a delivery that went straight into Flintoff's hands at first slip.

A generation on and England’s faith in his son, 16-year-old Rocky, is unlikely to be so wide of the mark.

England Lions, coached by the former England all-rounder, walked out at the Ian Healy Oval to take on a Cricket Australia XI in Queensland last Monday, and all eyes were on a batter who has already shown rare promise for Lancashire and the Under-19 national side. A first innings effort of 19 in a Lions’ score of 223 may have left some underwhelmed.

But whatever happens on this tour, the precocious Rocky – the youngest cricketer ever selected for an England Lions tour – won’t be fazed by whatever is thrown at him, based on early evidence. And although his surname will ensure he has a target on his back, he’ll greet any challenges that come his way in the traditional Flintoff manner, head on.

The temperatures in Brisbane are a world away from those at Lytham St Annes on the Lancashire coast. But, in the January chill, those who have witnessed Rocky’s rise are absolutely confident that it won’t be a case of too much too soon for a cricketer who has taken each step on the sporting ladder in his stride.

“It’s not just the Flintoff name on the sporting side, it’s Flintoff the celebrity,” says Kevin Reid, senior cricket lead at St Annes’ Cricket Club.