Flintoff, 16, was a last-minute addition to the Lions’ journey to South Africa earlier this month – his father’s maiden tour as head coach – the place he featured within the one-off tour match in opposition to a CSA Invitational XI in Cape City, making 4 from three balls in his solely innings.
His inclusion continues a startling rise, which started along with his precocious shows for Lancashire 2nd XI in April, continued via his multi-format debuts for England’s Beneath-19 groups in opposition to Sri Lanka in July, and culminated in his first skilled contract with Lancashire in August and subsequent first-class debut.
Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, had flagged the probability of Bashir’s inclusion within the Lions again in October, with the sense rising from his latest shows in Pakistan and New Zealand, the place he took 17 wickets at 50.58 in six Checks, that his recreation has not progressed fairly as shortly as England had hoped.
“For Bash, the chance to have the ability to get some expertise in these situations could possibly be actually very important for us,” McCullum mentioned in October, on the conclusion of the Pakistan tour. “That is the great thing about the Lions programme, you may have the chance to get some cricket into guys. With Freddie there as nicely now and in control of the Lions, he is bought a really comparable view on the sport to what I’ve bought, so there will be consistency of message and that is one thing that we have to have a look at.”
Josh Hull, the 20-year-old Leicestershire left-armer who made a shock Check debut in opposition to Sri Lanka in September, has not been included in the primary squad however will journey to Australia as he continues his rehabilitation from a quad damage.
Among the many batters, Alex Davies is rewarded for a robust season with Warwickshire, for whom he made 4 centuries in his maiden yr as captain, whereas Somerset’s wicketkeeper-batter James Rew can also be included.
England Males’s Efficiency Director, Ed Barney, mentioned: “We have now rewarded gamers who’ve confirmed themselves at this stage and people with vital potential. Matches and excursions of Australia are at all times essential and we relish the chance to check ourselves in opposition to high quality opposition. This tour permits us to judge performances, refine preparation and proceed working with a few of the finest rising expertise within the nation.
“I am additionally delighted to see Josh Tongue returning to aggressive cricket. Josh has had a difficult time with accidents however is progressing nicely and can profit from this tour as he steps up his preparation. We hope this marks the beginning of a affluent and impactful return to cricket for him in 2025.”
![Marcelo Garcia – “If someone has used [steroids] once, he’s already contaminated”](https://i2.wp.com/mymmanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/download-1.jpg?w=75&resize=75,75&ssl=1 "Marcelo Garcia – “If someone has used [steroids] once, he’s already contaminated”")
