Cricket: Sons of the game: Three of the A tour's young guns

Andrew Flintoff

Mature, respected captain of England Under-19s' successful tour to Pakistan, where he was instrumental in moulding happy spirit. Made debut for Lancashire at 17 in 1995 and this season, between playing well for Under-19s against Zimbabwe (a century and half-century in the Tests), was given more opportunity until breaking his hand. Discovered vagaries of professional batting life by following his maiden Championship century, made in 159 balls against Hampshire, with a pair against Derbyshire.

Chris Read

May well share in a bit of history by playing first first-class match in England colours, following The Hon CJ Coventry and BAF Grieve who played their only first-class cricket in two Test matches against South Africa in 1888-89. "Hadn't thought of that," he said. Well-organised keeper with spectacular reflexes who took four catches and stumping for Under-19s in one-day international this year. Path at Gloucestershire blocked by Jack Russell, but celebrated call-up with highest second-team score of 148 not out.

James Ormond

Lurking on the boundary near the Press tent one hot day in August, the Leicestershire fast bowler David Millns whiled away the time by remarking on a young colleague's speed. "The fastest in England," he said. Ormond has had a marvellous first season, undermining the Australians with six wickets in an innings when they were desperate for practice. Must learn to be more sparing with the four-balls, but bowls wicket-taking deliveries, as confirmed with another six wickets against Northants last week.