Ashes aspirant Sam Cook has starred for England A, claiming Peter Handscomb’s scalp on a chaotic day in which Rocky Flintoff was among those who felt ball dominating bat.
Cook underlined his talent by snaring 4-12 in a six-over opening spell on day one of the England Lions’ tour game against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane.
Former Test batter Handscomb, recently overlooked for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, fell for two as his side collapsed to 5-36 late on Tuesday in response to the visitors’ 223.
Cook, who is yet to play for England in any format, and teammates have a golden chance to make a big impression on selectors ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes.
Perhaps the most notable name in the touring squad is 16-year-old Rocky Flintoff.
He is the son of iconic allrounder Andrew, who is coaching the Lions.
Rocky Flintoff made his first-class debut for Lancashire during the English summer amid a rapid rise, then was a late call-up for the Lions’ tour of South Africa in December.
Flintoff scored 19 at Ian Healy Oval on Tuesday, stroking three boundaries before he offered Handscomb a catch off the bowling of Charlie Anderson.
Forgotten paceman Cameron Gannon, who starred for WA in the 2023-24 Sheffield Shield final, snared impressive figures of 5-27 for the hosts.
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