ARCHIE VAUGHAN has been named the new captain of England under-19s – two decades after his dad led England to Ashes glory.
Vaughan – son of ex-England skipper Michael – takes charge in three youth one-dayers and two Tests against South Africa, beginning later this month.
His elevation continues the remarkable rise of the sons of two England legends.
Michael Vaughan captained England in 51 of his 82 Test matches – including the epic 2005 triumph over Australia – and is now a TV and radio pundit. He also captained England under-19s in 1994.
Vaughan Junior’s selection follows Rocky Flintoff’s inclusion in the England Lions squad – effectively, the England second team – for their upcoming tour of Australia.
As their current rate of progress, it would be no surprise if Flintoff and Vaughan are chosen for the England senior side in the next few years.
Vaughan, 19, signed his first pro contract with Somerset in May and produced some impressive performances last summer.
Although mainly a batsman, he had match figures of 11-140 with his off-spinners against county champions Surrey in September.
Vaughan said: “If someone had told me 12 months ago that I would have forced my way into the Somerset first-team and be captaining the under-19s, I wouldn’t have believed them.
“It’s happened quickly but I’m going to keep my feet on the ground and work harder and harder.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
“I found out I would be captain during the training camp before Christmas and it was a very special moment.
“To get the opportunity to represent England at this level is really special in itself, but to lead the team is something else.
“It will obviously be a good challenge and we’ll have to adapt to the conditions. The training camp in South Africa in December was really beneficial and we’re all raring to go.”
Archie plays for Somerset – rather than Yorkshire, like his dad – because he went to the famous sporting school Millfield in the county.
The under-19 squad flies to South Africa on Thursday and includes Notts spinner Farhan Ahmed, 16, brother of England’s Rehan Ahmed.
All-rounder Andrew Flintoff was Player of the Series in 2005 and named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Flintoff now combines coaching with TV work and was part of the management who selected his own son for the Lions tour.
Rocky scored a century for England under-19s against Sri Lanka last summer but averaged just 12.42 in the four first-class matches he played for Lancashire.
