ENGLAND and Lancashire all-rounder Andrew Flintoff became a father for the first time when his partner Rachael gave birth to daughter Holly.

Flintoff, aged 26, missed England's defeat to India at Lord's to accompany Rachael to a Cheshire hospital. Holly was born shortly before 4am, weighing in at 6lbs 2ozs.

Mother and baby are doing well and Flintoff is expected to meet up with his England colleagues later this week ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.