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Australian cricket continues to produce exciting new talent, and the latest addition to Cricket Australia‘s national contract list is Tess Flintoff – a name that’s been making waves in the domestic circuit for a few seasons now. With her all-round capabilities and fearless approach to the game, Flintoff is shaping up as one of the future stars of the Australian women’s cricket team.
Early life and rise through the ranks
Born on March 31, 2003, in Melbourne, Victoria, Flintoff began her journey with cricket at a very young age. She was part of the Cricket Victoria Junior Milo program and quickly climbed through the junior ranks, representing her state in Under-12, Under-15, and Under-18 age groups.
Her talent was evident early, and she was fast-tracked into Victoria’s senior domestic team, making her debut as a teenager against New South Wales. She was also part of Australia’s squad for the 2019 ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup, which served as an early platform to showcase her potential on the big stage.
Inclusion in Australia A squad during the 2021–22 Women’s Ashes
Flintoff took another significant step in her cricketing journey in January 2022, when she was named in Australia’s A squad for the series against England A. The matches were scheduled alongside the high-profile Women’s Ashes, offering fringe players and rising stars like Flintoff a chance to perform in a competitive environment while being closely observed by national selectors.
Making a mark in the WBBL
Flintoff gained national attention during the 2022–23 Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) season. Playing for the Melbourne Stars, she smashed the record for the fastest half-century in WBBL history — scoring 50 off just 16 balls against the Adelaide Strikers. That innings not only lit up the tournament but also earned her a spot in cricket’s record books, as it became the second-fastest fifty in women’s T20 history.
Known for her power-hitting in the lower order and her tidy right-arm medium pace, Flintoff has grown into a reliable all-rounder. Her ability to contribute in both departments makes her a valuable asset in T20 and 50-over formats.
Earning the central contract for 2025–26
Her performances have not gone unnoticed by the selectors. On April 17, 2025, Cricket Australia named Flintoff in their 18-player women’s central contract list for the 2025–26 season, marking her first full-time national contract.
This inclusion reflects a broader shift towards investing in the next generation of Australian cricketers, especially with several big tournaments like the ODI World Cup and a multi-format series against India on the horizon.
A future prospect for Australia
While she’s yet to debut for the senior national side, Flintoff’s trajectory suggests it’s only a matter of time. With depth in Australia’s pace-bowling group and strong competition for all-rounder spots, Flintoff’s selection in the contract list positions her perfectly to break into the international setup soon.
Also READ: Cricket Australia unveils Women’s contract for 2025-26; Tess Flintoff earns first national deal
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
