When most 19-year-olds are figuring out uni life or their next move, Eddie Jack is preparing to train with England’s Test squad at Headingley — and he hasn’t even made his County Championship debut yet.
It all starts with his morning routine. No phone checking, no rushing out the door.
Just a Bible, a shower, and making his bed.
For Jack, those small acts of discipline help frame the day — and maybe even the path to international cricket.
A Teenage Fast Bowler Getting a Dream Call-Up
Eddie Jack might not be a name you’re familiar with yet, but England’s selectors clearly see something special in him.
Despite having made his first-class debut just two weeks ago, the young Hampshire pacer is already turning heads — thanks in part to a big fan in Andrew Flintoff.
Freddie, as he’s better known, told Jack the news just before the final day of the Lions’ match against India A at Northampton: he’d be joining Ben Stokes and the England Test squad for training ahead of the series against India.
It’s Not About Playing Just Yet… But Never Say Never
Jack is keeping his expectations realistic.
“It’s more about getting a feel for the environment and testing myself,” he says, adding that bowling to players like Joe Root and Harry Brook will be an honor.
Right now, there’s no plan for him to actually play — but in this England setup, you never know.
After all, we’ve seen how this team isn’t afraid to throw raw pace or teenage talent into the deep end.
Just look at how Josh Hull and Rehan Ahmed were backed early.
And if Josh Tongue’s ankle issue turns out to be serious, Jack could be a natural stand-in — especially given his ability to swing the new ball and bowl around 90mph.
Strength Built on More Than Just Height
Standing at 6ft 4in, Jack certainly looks the part.
But the real foundation of his game, he says, is his faith.
His father is a school chaplain, and Jack credits his Christianity for helping him stay grounded — both in the highs and lows of sport.
He’s not dogmatic about it either. While some athletes refuse to compete on Sundays, Jack says he finds other ways to make time for his spiritual life.
“It’s part of my job,” he says, “so I do it on Sundays and find time with the Lord on other days.”
Mentored by a Legend
Jack and Flintoff first crossed paths back in 2023 when Freddie was coaching the England Under-19s.
Their relationship grew from there, and recently during a County XI match against Zimbabwe, Flintoff watched Jack take five wickets and offered him some unforgettable praise: “There’s something different about you.”
For Jack, that meant the world. Flintoff’s iconic spells against Ricky Ponting and Jacques Kallis are moments he’s long admired — so to have him now backing Jack’s potential is both surreal and deeply motivating.
Born on a Famous Day, Now Chasing His Own Legacy
Here’s a fun twist of fate: Jack was born during the final Test of the legendary 2005 Ashes — the same Test where Flintoff took five wickets at the Oval.
Now, two decades later, Flintoff is playing a key role in shaping the young quick’s journey.
That influence goes beyond praise. Jack says Flintoff’s use of Brendon McCullum’s mantra — “Be where your feet are” — has helped him stay locked in during big moments, including when he bowled to Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul during recent games for the England Lions.
Feet on the Ground, Eyes on the Prize
“I try not to think too much about reputations,” Jack says.
“It’s me, the ball, and the batter. Let’s get him out.”
He even mimics All Blacks legend Dan Carter by physically grounding himself — kicking the turf to stay focused and present when the pressure’s on.
It’s that mix of physical presence, mental discipline, and raw ability that makes Jack such an exciting prospect.
Whether he plays this summer or not, England fans are bound to hear a lot more from him soon.