Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, announced his arrival on the international stage by scoring his maiden Youth One Day International (ODI) century against India on Saturday, July 5th, 2025. The 17-year-old's impressive knock came in the fourth Youth ODI at the County Ground in Worcester.

Chasing a formidable target of 364, England's innings got off to a solid start thanks to openers BJ Dawkins (67) and Joseph Moores (52), who put on a 104-run partnership. Flintoff came in at number four in the 15th over after the fall of Moores' wicket with the score at 104/2. He started cautiously, taking his time to settle in, and his first boundary came off his 20th ball when he hit a straight six off Naman Pushpak.

Flintoff then accelerated, hitting three consecutive fours off Deepesh Devendran in the 25th over. He reached his half-century off 41 balls, having been at 13 off 20 at one point. He particularly enjoyed facing Pushpak, scoring 36 runs off the leg spinner, including two fours and two sixes. Flintoff reached his century in the 43rd over, driving Deepesh into the off side for two to reach the milestone off 88 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 107 off 91 balls, with seven fours and four sixes.

This was Flintoff's second century for England U19, having scored 106 in a Youth Test against Sri Lanka last July. Earlier this year, he became the youngest player to score a century for England A or England Lions, scoring a century from No. 9 against Australia A at just 16 years old. He also became Lancashire's youngest debutant in the County Championship last August.

Despite Flintoff's efforts, England were bowled out for 308, losing the match by 55 runs and the series 3-1. Earlier, India had posted a total of 363/9, thanks to a record-breaking century from 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed 143 off 78 balls, and a fine innings of 129 from Vihaan Malhotra. Suryavanshi's century was the fastest in Youth ODIs, reaching the milestone in just 52 balls. He broke the previous record held by Pakistan's Kamran Ghulam, who scored a century off 53 balls against England in 2013.

Suryavanshi and Malhotra put on a second-wicket partnership of 219 runs in 24 overs. In contrast, Flintoff received limited support from the other England batsmen, and three run outs, including captain Thomas Rew, made the situation more difficult. Naman Pushpak took three wickets for India, while RS Ambrish dismissed two batsmen, including Flintoff.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi's explosive innings overshadowed Flintoff's century. Suryavanshi's innings was more decisive and effective, putting pressure on the England bowlers from the start. However, Flintoff played with courage and patience, and his innings was a testament to his growing talent. Rocky is also a fast-bowling all-rounder, similar to his father. It remains to be seen whether he will follow in his father's footsteps and represent the national squad.