Freddie Flintoff has left his 17-year-old son Rocky out of the England Lions starting XI for their Test match against India A at the Spitfire Ground in Canterbury on Friday.
The Lions head coach benched the talented batsman despite the teenager being selected in the squad for the four-day fixture.
Rocky was picked for the match against India's feeder team but did not make it into the final eleven announced on Friday morning.
The decision comes as the young cricketer continues to work his way back from recent injury problems.
Rocky has been suffering with injuries in recent months, missing the first part of the County Championship season because of a back issue.
The injury problems have disrupted what has otherwise been a remarkable start to his professional cricket career.
Despite these setbacks, the teenager has shown resilience in working his way back to fitness and earning his place in the Lions squad.
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Rocky Flintoff has been struggling with injury
PA
His recent injury struggles highlight the physical demands of professional cricket, even for someone so young in his career.
Rocky has achieved impressive milestones despite his young age, becoming the youngest player to appear for Lancashire County at 16 years and 113 days.
Like his father, he came through the ranks with Lancashire, signing his first professional deal in June 2024.
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The right-handed batsman and right arm fast-medium bowler is also the youngest to score a match-winning century for the England Under-19s team.
On the recent Australia tour, he broke his father Freddie's record as the youngest player to score a Lions century after hitting 126 in Brisbane.
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Rocky Flintoff is following in his father's footsteps
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Rocky, who turned 17 last month, was first called up for the Lions against South Africa A in December before being recalled to face Australia XI a month later.
Meanwhile, Chris Woakes will make his return from an ankle injury after being selected for two Lions fixtures with India A. The 36-year-old has not played since January but has been named in a 15-man squad for the second-string fixtures.
Freddie Flintoff has left his son out of the England Lions squad for their match with India
PAThe experienced all-rounder's return provides a boost for the Lions as they prepare for both matches against India A.
The fixtures are scheduled to start today and on 6 June, giving Woakes valuable match practice as he works his way back to full fitness after his lengthy injury layoff.
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