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Andrew Flintoff has been appointed head coach of the England Lions for the coming year by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Flintoff, known as Freddie, became a television presenter after his England cricket career ended in 2010, despite briefly coming out of retirement in 2014 and 2015, playing in T20 competitions.
In December 2022, while presenting Top Gear, he suffered life-changing injuries following an accident at Dunsfold Park Airfield. Rehabilitation ended his time on the show and he spent time away from the spotlight while recovering.
In 2023, Flintoff returned to cricket, helping with coaching during England’s second-team series against Ireland at the end of last summer, and has continued to work in the sport.
He was appointed head coach of the Hundred Northern Superchargers team for the 2024 season, working closely with England batter Harry Brook, and was also part of the coaching staff during the T20 World Cup.
“I am incredibly excited to take on this role with the England Lions,” said Flintoff.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the country’s best up-and-coming talent and help shape the future of the men’s game. The Lions program has always been a vital stepping stone for players aspiring to international success, and I am honoured to be a part of that journey.”
“The future of cricket in England is very healthy. There is a wealth of talent emerging and I am looking forward to helping these players reach their full potential. Whether these players challenge for England selection or find their feet in Lions cricket, I am confident that the Lions programme will provide a real point of difference in their development. It is an exciting time for English cricket and I am passionate about inspiring the next generation to take the game forward. We have a strong foundation and I believe we can create something truly special.”
Flintoff was one of several candidates for the role and will take up the post in October, overseeing a schedule that includes a tour of South Africa before Christmas, a tour of Australia in January and a summer series against India A and Zimbabwe in England.
His son Rocky scored a century for England Under-19s this summer and has since joined the Lancashire first team.
“We are delighted to welcome Andrew Flintoff to this key role,” said ECB Men’s Performance Director Ed Barney.
“Andrew has distinguished himself through his inspiring leadership, coaching expertise and deep understanding of the game. His vision aligns very closely with the style of play and identity that has been developed with the England men’s team under Brendon McCullum and this appointment contributes to a truly exciting outlook for the future of English cricket.
“The England Lions programme is a cornerstone of our cricket structure, playing a vital role in developing the next generation of talent. With Andrew’s guidance, the most promising players will continue to develop, flourish and take their game to new levels. I am confident his influence will resonate throughout English cricket, helping to drive the game forward.”
