The 2025 season of The Hundred is off to an emotional and exciting start with two standout stories that are grabbing headlines: the rise of 17-year-old Rocky Flintoff and the remarkable return of James Anderson.
Rocky Flintoff, son of England legend Andrew Flintoff, has been selected as a £30,000 wildcard pick for the Northern Superchargers, coached by his father. Despite not having made his professional T20 debut yet, Rocky has impressed selectors with key performances, including:
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A 91-ball 107 for England U-19 against India U-19
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A red-ball century for England Lions in Australia earlier this year
The father-son pairing at a professional franchise is an especially rare and emotional occurrence in English cricket, made even more poignant by Andrew Flintoff’s own journey back to the sport after a near-fatal car crash. Since his recovery, Flintoff has been involved in coaching roles across England’s national setups, working closely with young talent — including his own son.
Adding another layer of nostalgia to the upcoming season is the inclusion of James Anderson, 42, who has been signed as a wildcard by Manchester Originals. After being overlooked in the initial draft, Anderson’s performances in the Vitality Blast, where he took 14 wickets, earned him a late but deserved call-up — marking his return to white-ball cricket after nearly a decade.
Both stories highlight the intergenerational richness and emotional depth of cricket, where legacy, grit, and second chances intersect. With Rocky’s breakthrough and Anderson’s comeback, The Hundred 2025 promises to deliver not only competitive action but also heartwarming narratives that resonate beyond the field.
