Archie Vaughan on Rocky Flintoff friendship, his father’s legacy and forging his own path
Having spent most of his youth focused on batting, Vaughan’s success with the ball was somewhat unexpected, the highlight being match figures of 11-140 against eventual County Championship winners Surrey last September.
Vaughan then started 2025 by taking 6-19 in the Youth Test against South Africa, which England Under-19s won by 10 wickets.
Those are remarkable feats considering he turned to bowling spin out of boredom during the Covid-19 lockdown, having only bowled seam previously.
“It definitely took me by surprise,” said Vaughan.
“I would still probably say I’m more of a batter, but I will keep working hard at both and it’s just about managing my expectations again.
“I haven’t been bowling for very long, I only started it properly in my back garden during lockdown – whereas I’ve been batting for as long as I can remember.”
Vaughan accepts his family gave him a “great opportunity” to attend Millfield School and pursue his cricketing dream, but he is extremely driven to make the most of it.
While he is not drawn on comparisons to his dad’s batting and captaincy, Vaughan is confident elsewhere.
“I’m pretty sure I’m a better off-spinner than him,” he added. “And I’m definitely a better fielder.”
A lot has changed in the 20 years since one of cricket’s greatest Test series. But with a Vaughan and a Flintoff emerging as two of the country’s most exciting talents, it feels like a full-circle moment is upon us.
