Archie Vaughan to Captain England U19s in South Africa

Somerset all-rounder Archie Vaughan, son of former England Test captain Michael Vaughan, will lead the England Under-19 cricket team during their upcoming tour of South Africa. The tour, starting on January 17, includes three youth one-day internationals and two youth Tests against South Africa Under-19s.

Archie Vaughan, 19, expressed his excitement about the role. “I found out I was going to be captain during the training camp before Christmas, and it was a very special moment,” he said. “Representing England at this level is special in itself, but leading the team is something else.”

Vaughan, who signed his first professional contract with Somerset in May, had a standout season in 2023. He played four first-class and seven List A matches, averaging 33.71 with the bat in the County Championship. His off-spin also impressed, with 15 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls.

Archie follows in the footsteps of his father, Michael Vaughan, one of England’s most successful Test captains. Michael led England to a historic Ashes victory in 2005 and won 26 of his 51 Tests as captain.

“If someone had told me 12 months ago that I’d be captaining the Under-19s and playing in the Somerset first team, I wouldn’t have believed them,” Archie said. “It’s happened quickly, but I’ll keep my feet on the ground and work harder.”

Vaughan made his Somerset debut in the same week 16-year-old Rocky Flintoff, son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, debuted for Lancashire. While Rocky Flintoff was part of the England Under-19 training camp in South Africa, he has since been promoted to the England Lions squad for their tour of Australia, starting January 14.