Rocky Flintoff has returned to England Men U19s duty after being named in the 12-player squad for the three-match Youth ODI series against South Africa U19s. The Lancashire all-rounder is back alongside Middlesex’s Jack Nelson after both missed the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup through injury.
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed the squad on 11 June, with the series beginning at Uptonsteel Grace Road in Leicester on Tuesday 30 June before further ODIs at Northampton and Beckenham. Uncapped trio Charlie Harmison, Tom Norton and Harry Wallace have also been called up for the first time, according to the ECB squad announcement.
Flintoff Return Adds Intrigue To England’s Next Youth Test
Flintoff’s inclusion naturally sharpens interest because he remains one of the most recognisable names in England’s pathway system. England have also retained six players from their run to the U19 World Cup final earlier this year: Ralphie Albert, Ben Dawkins, Will Bennison, Ali Farooq, Alex French and James Minto.
Head coach Michael Yardy said England wanted flexibility because several U19 players are also involved in the Vitality Blast. That explains the smaller squad and makes the warm-up fixtures at Hazlegrave Ground on 26 and 27 June more important before the Youth ODIs and two Youth Tests follow in July.
