Flintoff leaves England Lions head coach role

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has stepped down as head coach of England Lions.

The 48-year-old, who has been in charge of the Lions since September 2024, thanked England managing director Rob Key in his leaving statement for "trusting me with one of the most important roles in English cricket."

Flintoff was named head coach of Australian Big Bash franchise Sydney Thunder in June, taking up his first overseas T20 coaching role.

He was initially set to continue in his Lions role, leaving a planned tour of South Africa early to join up with Thunder, but now departs the national set-up.

"Unfortunately I've made the decision to step away from my role with the Lions," said Flintoff.

"Not only have I enjoyed my time having the opportunity to work with the best young cricketers in the country, but have taken great pride in seeing them develop.

"I'd like to thank the coaches and staff for all their passion, tireless work and support they give everyday.

"I can't wait to get started with the Thunder later in the year and see where coaching takes me."

Flintoff also spent two seasons as Northern Superchargers men's coach in The Hundred, leading the Leeds-based side to fourth and third-placed finishes.

He was not retained for 2026 after the franchise was taken over by the owners of the Sunrisers group.

Prior to his appointment with the Lions, Flintoff helped coach England's white-ball sides on an informal basis, having left his position as a presenter on television driving programme Top Gear.

His last assignment in the Lions role was South Africa A's tour of England in May and June, where his side lost both four-day matches and two of three 50-over games.

"Fred has helped to transform the Lions environment into a programme that has had a major impact on young players," said England and Wales Cricket Board men's performance director Ed Barney.

"Coaches have also flourished alongside him, whether early in their coaching journey or with decades of experience, and he has consistently maximised the expertise around the group.

"We wish him the best in the next stage of his coaching career and look forward to a time he returns to the English game."

Mike Yardy will step in as head coach for the four-day Professional County Club Select XI match that serves as Pakistan's warm-up before their three-Test series against England later this month.

The fixture begins at Beckenham on Wednesday, August 12, while the Lions will also be the opposition for Sri Lanka's two T20 warm-ups at the start of their limited-overs tour of England in September.

-BBC