Rocky Flintoff, the 18-year-old son of former England allrounder Andrew Flintoff, smashed his maiden professional century off just 65 balls to guide Lancashire to a commanding 174-run win over Somerset in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Taunton. The victory sealed Lancashire’s place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Durham at Old Trafford on Friday.
Batting first after being invited to field by Somerset captain Lewis Goldsworthy, Lancashire posted 443 for 6, their highest total in List A cricket history. Keaton Jennings anchored the innings with 156 off 127 balls, while Flintoff exploded late with 123 off just 76 deliveries, striking ten fours and seven sixes. Somerset were bowled out for 269 in reply, falling well short despite a fighting 68 from Tom Lammonby.
Flintoff and Jennings Combine for Match-Defining Partnership
Lancashire’s innings turned decisively when Flintoff walked in at 138 for 3. He wasted little time settling and quickly took the attack to a Somerset bowling unit already weakened by absences to The Hundred. Flintoff and Jennings put on 214 runs in just 21.1 overs, dismantling the hosts’ plans on a flat pitch under blazing conditions.
Jennings brought up his tenth List A century off 97 balls, and Flintoff followed soon after, reaching three figures in only 65 deliveries. He raised his fist in celebration, pulling off sixes over straight mid-wicket in the fashion of his father’s playing days. Late contributions from Harry Singh and an unbeaten 32 off just ten balls from Jack Blatherwick pushed the total well past 400, leaving Somerset with an impossible chase.
Somerset Collapse Under Pressure as Bowlers Seal the Win
Chasing 444, Somerset never found their footing. Tom Aspinwall struck early, removing both openers lbw to leave the hosts at 33 for 2. George Balderson then applied further pressure, and the pair finished with four wickets apiece.
Lammonby’s 68 briefly threatened to steady the innings, but wickets fell steadily around him. Joshua Thomas struck a quick 42, and wicketkeeper Ben Church added some late blows with 24, yet Somerset were bowled out in 39.2 overs. The result confirmed a difficult campaign for Somerset, who finished ninth in Group A, while Lancashire secured second place behind Leicestershire on net run rate.
SUGGESTED READ: Andy Gorvin Seals Last-Ball Thriller as Glamorgan Beat Worcestershire
Flintoff’s Rise Continues Despite Injury Setbacks
The century marks another milestone in a career that has moved quickly despite frequent interruptions. Flintoff became Lancashire’s youngest player when he debuted at 16 years and 113 days in 2024, shortly after becoming England Under-19s’ youngest centurion against Sri Lanka. He later became England Lions’ youngest century-maker during a tour of Australia in January 2025.
Injuries and Under-19 commitments limited his first-team opportunities last season, and he was forced to withdraw from The Hundred in 2025 after being signed by Northern Superchargers, where his father served as coach. Flintoff signed a new two-year contract with Lancashire in March following reports linking him with a move elsewhere.
His consistent form in the One-Day Cup this season, including scores of 61 not out and 41 not out, suggests he is finally settling into regular senior cricket after a stop-start start to his professional career.
For the latest One Day Cup news and updates, follow JeetWin Sports
