How Flintoff's Field of Dreams star put Lancashire school on the map

The story of Afghan refugee Adnan Miakhel has highlighted Rossall's cricket programme

The story of Adnan Miakhel has put Rossall School cricket firmly on the map.

The Afghan refugee – a left-arm pace-bowling allrounder who featured in Freddie Flintoff's Field of Dreams – was a Year 13 pupil at the school when he made his debut for Lancashire 2nd XI in April.

“He’s honestly one of the best kids I’ve ever worked with,” said head of cricket Josh Boyne. “We made him captain this year and he was so committed.

“The number of times he was up at 6.30 in the morning hitting balls in the indoor school.

“If I was coaching the boys he’d pitch in to take an under-13 girls coaching session.”

Miakhel, 19, left Rossall in the summer and is now on a gap year in Australia, playing for Collegians CC in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association in Victoria.

Boyne said: “We really hope he can make the most of his experience in Australia. When you think about Adnan's journey, it’s pretty incredible to see what he has achieved and that is testament to the hard work and dedication he has shown, alongside all the support provided to him by those at school.”

Boyne, 28, is a former National Counties batter and offspinner for Cumberland. He has brought in ex-Blackpool CC team-mate Richard Gleeson, one of the quickest bowlers in England, in as a high-profile cricket professional.

“To have Richard into school over the winter to lead sessions with our young seamers on their white or pink-ball skills is so valuable and just one of the amazing opportunities we provide for our aspiring cricketers.

“Richard uses our facilities to prep for his own cricket, too.

“When the kids see him in The Hundred clocked at 94.1mph it’s pretty incredible for them to say, ‘I did a pace-bowling session with him a few weeks ago!’”

Boyne calls Rossall’s 2025 season “one of transition”. The 1st XI had a last-ball defeat to Kirkham Grammar in the area final of the National T20.

But the side went unbeaten in their set of declaration games against prestigious adult clubs. And in a visit by an Australian school side, several Year 10 boys stepped up with big performances.

Boyne added: “We are absolutely delighted that Rossall School has once again been recognised in The Cricketer's Schools Guide. This accolade is a testament to the dedication, talent, and passion of our players, coaches, parents and wider school community who continually strive to elevate cricket at Rossall.

“We have worked hard to build a high-performance culture while maintaining an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all who play. Our programme is designed to nurture not only skilled cricketers but also create respectful, resilient individuals who embody the spirit of the game.

“This recognition is also a reflection of the exciting progress we’ve made both on and off the field – from improved facilities and coaching pathways to our team performances and individual achievements.

“Cricket is thriving at Rossall, and we look forward to continuing to grow the game and the opportunities and experiences it can provide for our young people.”

The Cricketer would like to thank Durant Sports for their ongoing support of our schools cricket coverage. For more on Durant Sports, including booking a site visit, click here.