Flintoff hits century for England U19s at Loughborough
Rocky Flintoff hit a century to lead England U19s to a successful run chase in warm up fixture against a Young Lions Invitational XI, ahead of three match ODI series with Sri Lanka.
With an early breakthrough from England U19 opening bowler, Noah Cornwell, it brought Lancashire Academy player, Keshana Fonseka, to the crease. Fonseka was part of a second wicket partnership worth 50 runs before Lions opener, Amir Khan, was dismissed.
Fonseka went on to hit 54, including five fours and one six. It was a beautifully timed innings coming off just 58 deliveries, with his shot of the day taking him to the half century milestone as he planted the England U19s off spinner, Freddie McCann, over long on, over the rope for 6. Archie Vaughan came to the crease with his side 102-2 and went on to hit 85 as the Invitational XI posted 288 all out.
With the change of innings complete, England U19s came out to bat. Although, it didn’t take long for the England side to be in bother as an early batting collapse lead to the team to be 52-4 (11.2) just after the close of the first powerplay.
Essex batter Charlie Allison batted beautifully for his half century which included seven fours and three sixes. It was an innings which England were desperate for after a nervy opening to their chase. His partnership with his captain managed to draw the game back towards the level before captain Luc Benkenstein – son of Lancashire Head Coach Dale - was bowled by James Dunn.
This brought the arrival of Rocky Flintoff to the crease. Flintoff, who recently signed his first professional contract with Lancashire earlier this month, brought up his half century after 63 deliveries. The 16-year-old went on to hit a century for his side, before being dismissed (caught on deep on the boundary) for a brilliant 106.
The England U-19s chased the target of 288 being 8 wickets down, with 1.2 overs to spare.