Freddie Flintoff names 16-year-old son in England Lions squad as surprise decision explained

Rocky Flintoff has been named in the latest England Lions squad by his famous father - Ashes 2005 hero Freddie - for their upcoming tour to Australia.

As reported, former international all-rounder and TV personality Freddie - whose real name is Andrew - has taken steps back into cricket following a horrific crash while filming for Top Gear in December 2022. Freddie is now very much back in the public eye - and the much-loved former Lancashire CCC superstar is gearing up for his next role.

In September this year, Freddie was appointed by England Lions as their new head coach.

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A tour to Australia awaits the team - which is effectively a development side - and will come before England's senior team prepares to jet off Down Under next winter for a gruelling - yet exciting - Ashes campaign under head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.

With all eyes on the Lions for now, though, it will be a family affair for the Flintoffs.

Highly-rated Lancashire starlet Rocky, aged 16, only signed his first professional deal for the country in June - after making a century for the club's 2nd XI in April. Playing as a specialist batter, he made his List A debut in July, with a succession of further 1st XI appearances following in red and white-ball cricket.

A regular for England's U-19s previously, Rocky has appeared for the Lions before as a late call-up, but this marks a clear step forward in his promising career. England men's performance director Ed Barney is, meanwhile, confident it will be a successful tour for Freddie's side.

"We have rewarded