Croft suggested a return to Lancashire’s County Championship XI, where he would face higher quality bowlers compared to the Hundred-depleted One-Day Cup attacks, may not be far away.
“He has put himself in a great position,” Croft said.
“The way he is striking the ball. He has stuck to what he is good at.”
Lancashire host Northamptonshire when the red-ball competition restarts on Thursday and travel to Worcestershire the week after.
There are also five youth one-day internationals between England and Pakistan from 2 September, placing another decision is on the horizon.
His parents are known to play a big role in that decision-making.
And Flintoff is – like his father and 20-year-old older brother Corey, currently in Kent’s second XI ranks – an all-rounder at heart.
Bone stress issues in his back and pelvis have prevented him bowling his lively seam in a competitive match since his Under-16 days, but there remains careful quiet hope that could change by next summer, if the teenager comes through the rest of this season and the winter injury-free.
Friday’s knock at Old Trafford came against a Durham side featuring Ben Stokes.
The prospect of a Flintoff succeeding Stokes, after Stokes succeeded a Flintoff, as England’s all-rounder is tantalising if, at this point, a long way off.
In truth, other England Under-19 contemporaries caught up while Flintoff struggled for first-team action and fitness.
His superb innings at Taunton was ended by a catch from spin-bowling all-rounder Archie Vaughan – a Somerset regular at 20 and son of former England captain Michael.
Elsewhere, Flintoff’s Lancashire team-mate Joe Moores, Somerset wicketkeeper Thomas Rew, Middlesex’s all-rounder Caleb Falconer and Hampshire pace bowler Manny Lumsden all featured in The Hundred in recent weeks.
And batters Ben Dawkins and Ben Mayes, of Kent and Hampshire respectively, plus Surrey’s spin bowling all-rounder Ralphie Albert – another with famous family heritage – have all featured this season’s County Championship.
With Rew, Dawkins and Mayes having already scored first-class centuries, it is a youth cohort some regard as England’s best for a generation.
You may think Flintoff would benefit from the flying under the radar, however unlikely that may be, but Croft does not appear overly concerned by the attention that comes.
“I don’t think he is one of them that will do some mindless scrolling,” he said.
“He is level-headed really.
“It is always going to be a bit of a challenge, it is the way of the world these days.
“But he has a good head on his shoulders, is a level kid and hopefully takes it all in his stride.”
