Teenage batter Archie Vaughan, son of Michael, is set to lead England under-19s on a historic tour

Archie Vaughan, the son of former England captain Michael Vaughan, is set to take on a leadership role for the England Under-19s as they prepare for a youth tour of South Africa later this month. Vaughan has been named captain for the trip, where his team will face South Africa Under-19s in three youth one-day internationals and two youth Tests, beginning on January 17.

This announcement comes 20 years after his father, Michael Vaughan, made history by becoming the first England captain to win a Test series in South Africa in the post-apartheid era. For Archie, the opportunity to lead the team is a significant moment in his young career.

“I found out that I was going to be captain during the training camp before Christmas, and it was a very special moment,” said Vaughan, who is a top-order batter and off-spinner. “To get the opportunity to represent England at this level is really special in itself, but to lead the team out is something else.”

Vaughan’s rise has been swift. Having signed his first professional contract with Somerset in May, he made his county debut in July and quickly made a name for himself during Somerset’s Championship run. His impressive performances, including match figures of 11 for 140 against Surrey, helped spark hopes of a potential first title for the club in years.

In total, Vaughan has played four first-class matches and seven 50-over games for Somerset, averaging 33.71 with the bat in the County Championship. At age-group level, he has continued to excel, making a notable 85 from 83 balls in a warm-up match for the Young Lions Invitational XI against the England Under-19 ODI squad.

Reflecting on his journey, Vaughan said, “If someone had told me 12 months ago that I would have forced my way into the Somerset first team and be captaining the Under-19s, I wouldn’t have believed them. It’s happened quickly, but I’m going to keep my feet on the ground and work harder and harder.”

Vaughan’s father, Michael, went on to become one of England’s most successful Test captains, with 26 wins in 51 Tests between 2003 and 2008, including the famous 2005 Ashes victory. Archie’s leadership will no doubt attract much attention, as he looks to follow in his father’s footsteps while forging his own path in the game.