Andrew Flintoff, the renowned former England all-rounder, has been appointed as the head coach of the England Lions, the second-tier team, for the upcoming year. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced the news on Saturday. Flintoff, who is 46 years old, will take charge in October, leading the Lions on their tour of South Africa. He will then guide the team through a red-ball series in Australia in January, followed by a summer series against India A and Zimbabwe on home soil.
Flintoff’s appointment comes after a serious injury he sustained while filming for the BBC’s “Top Gear” show in December 2022. Prior to this incident, he was actively involved in England’s white-ball coaching setup, contributing to their journey to the semifinals of the Twenty20 World Cup 2024 where they were defeated by the eventual champions, India. He also recently held a coaching position with the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best up-and-coming talent in the country and to help shape the future of the men’s game,” said Flintoff in a statement. “The Lions programme has always been a vital stepping stone for players pushing for international success, and I’m honoured to be part of that journey.”
The England Lions serve as a crucial developmental platform for players aspiring to reach the highest level of international cricket. Flintoff’s experience and leadership are expected to be invaluable in nurturing the next generation of England’s cricketing stars.
