Brief
Eddie Jack named after Michael Vaughan ahead of England T20 call‑up
The 21‑year‑old Hampshire bowler explains the family tradition of sporting middle names and reflects on advice from former England greats.
By Felo News Desk · Published
England fast‑bowler Eddie Jack, 21, has been named in the senior England squad for next month’s T20 series against Australia, the Independent reports. Jack’s middle name, Vaughan, was given by his parents to mark England’s 2005 Ashes victory, the same series in which Michael Vaughan captained the side.
What happened
Jack was born during the final Test of the 2025‑26 Ashes series, the match that ended an 18‑year wait for England to beat Australia in a Test series. His parents chose the middle name Vaughan to commemorate the win, adding that his elder brother carries the middle name Robinson after the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and his younger brother has Hamilton after Lewis Hamilton’s rookie year in 2007.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that Jack first met Michael Vaughan at Edgbaston in 2016, when his father introduced them and they sent a thank‑you note to the Test Match Special commentary box. The article also records that Jack spent time under the mentorship of former England all‑rounder Andrew Flintoff while playing for the England Lions, describing Flintoff’s influence as “hero status”. Additionally, Jack cites advice from current England captain Joe Root, who told him in a 2022 Under‑19 Q&A that he does not set specific goals but focuses on continual up‑skilling.
What was said
Jack told PA, as quoted by the Independent, “I’ve got Vaughan, my elder brother’s middle name is (Jason) Robinson from the 2003 Rugby World Cup and my little brother has Hamilton from Lewis Hamilton’s rookie year in 2007. We’ve all got a sporting theme, it just so happened I got the cricketing one.” He added, “I actually met (Vaughan) when I attended my first ever cricket match at Edgbaston in 2016… I take a great deal of confidence from the favour he put in me.” Regarding Root’s advice, Jack said, “He’s probably the best player we’ve ever had … I asked him about how far into the future he looks and he really surprised me … ‘I don’t set specific goals; I’ve got one continual goal and that’s just to upskill constantly.’”
How it came about
Jack progressed through the age‑group system, playing alongside Vaughan’s son Archie, before earning a second‑year England development contract. Despite having played only seven T20 matches, he is one of four specialist fast bowlers selected for the upcoming tour of Australia.
Key facts
- Eddie Jack’s middle name Vaughan honours 2005 Ashes captain Michael Vaughan. (independent.co.uk)
- Jack was born during the final Test of the 2025‑26 Ashes series, which gave England an 18‑year series win. (independent.co.uk)
- He has been named in England’s senior T20 squad for the series against Australia. (independent.co.uk)
- Jack cites mentorship from Andrew Flintoff and advice from Joe Root. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “England’s Eddie Jack really has the name for the game against Australia”
