Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff has been a household name in British sport for more than two decades, from his glory days lifting the Ashes urn in 2005 to his more recent career on television. But in 2024 it was his teenage son Rocky who grabbed the headlines – by taking a cricket record once held by his father.
The 16-year-old, who has been part of Lancashire’s academy system since boyhood, scored his maiden century for the county’s 2nd XI in April 2024, hitting 116 against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. He did so at just 16 years and 16 days old, overtaking Freddie’s record as the youngest century-maker for the Lancashire second team. Back in 1994, his dad had achieved the feat aged 16 years and 266 days.
Batting at number five, Rocky’s innings included 11 fours and three sixes. He shared a 39-run partnership with his older brother Corey, also in the side that day, as Lancashire declared on 404/8. It was a breakthrough performance that immediately drew comparisons with his father’s early career.
Just a few months later, on 22 August 2024, Rocky’s rise continued when he made his first-class debut for Lancashire against Surrey at The Oval in the County Championship. Aged 16 years and 137 days, he became the youngest player ever to represent Lancashire at that level. Batting in the middle order, he scored 32 in his first innings, further underlining his potential.
By summer 2025, he had been drafted by Northern Superchargers for The Hundred. Although he did not feature in their opening three matches, Rocky’s inclusion in the squad at just 17 highlighted his growing reputation. He later withdrew due to an unspecified injury, but the call-up alone confirmed his status as one of the most exciting prospects in English cricket.
Holly Flintoff
Freddie and his wife Rachael Wools’ first child, Holly, was born in 2004. She arrived just as her dad’s international career was entering its defining period. In 2005, she joined him on the pitch after England’s historic Ashes victory over Australia, one of the most iconic sporting summers in recent memory.
Rachael once described Holly as “a complete daddy’s girl,” explaining that when Freddie was away she carried a photograph of him everywhere – even propping it up during tea parties with her dolls. Now 19, Holly keeps a low profile and has not pursued the public spotlight.
Corey Flintof
Born on 8 March 2006, Corey is just over a year younger than Holly and has also chosen cricket as his path. A middle-order batter for Lancashire’s Under-18s, he has played alongside Rocky in the county’s youth setup and academy.
Corey also made headlines in December 2022 when his father suffered a serious crash while filming Top Gear. Speaking publicly at the time, Corey said: “He’s OK. I’m not too sure what happened but he is lucky to be alive. It was a pretty nasty crash. We are all shocked but just hope he’s going to be OK.”
Rocky Flintoff
Born on 7 April 2008, Rocky has followed closest in his father’s footsteps. After his record-breaking century for Lancashire’s second XI in April 2024 and his first-class debut that summer, he became one of the youngest names associated with senior county cricket.
In 2025, his potential was recognised further when he was selected in The Hundred draft by Northern Superchargers, even if injury later sidelined him. Every innings so far has reinforced comparisons with Freddie, from his fluent drives to his competitive edge.
Preston Flintoff
Freddie and Rachael’s youngest son, Preston, was born in December 2019. The couple named him after Freddie’s home city in Lancashire. By then, the former England all-rounder had long retired from international cricket and established a career in broadcasting, meaning Preston’s earliest years have been spent with a dad firmly at home.
Freddie once admitted he hadn’t expected to become a father again, saying in 2016: “I originally wanted five but you have three and that felt like enough. I couldn’t go back to the nappy stage now.” But the arrival of Preston completed the family of six.
The Flintoff children have grown up in the public eye, sometimes through difficult circumstances. Freddie’s crash in 2022 left him with facial injuries and broken ribs, forcing him into a long recovery period. He has since spoken candidly about his struggles, admitting that his youngest son Preston was at first frightened by his appearance while his face was still healing.
But the family’s support helped him through. The BBC later axed Top Gear following the accident, with Freddie receiving a settlement and taking time away from broadcasting. His return came with the critically praised Field of Dreams and most recently Flintoff, a Disney+ series reflecting on his life and career.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk