Andrew Flintoff has stepped down as head coach of the England Lions after nearly two years in the role, bringing his stint with the country’s second-string side to an end as he prepares to take charge of Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder.
Flintoff, 48, took over as England Lions head coach in September 2024 and played a key role in the development programme for some of the country’s leading young cricketers. The former England all-rounder said he had taken considerable pride in working with players at the beginning of their international careers.
“Unfortunately I’ve made the decision to step away from my role with the Lions,” Flintoff said in a statement issued by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
“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,” he added.
Flintoff’s decision comes as he prepares for his next coaching assignment in Australia. He has been appointed head coach of Sydney Thunder and is due to begin his new role later this year.
“I can’t wait to get started with the Thunder later in the year and see where coaching takes me,” Flintoff said.
The move represents another step in Flintoff’s return to cricket following the serious injuries he suffered in a 2022 accident while filming for the BBC television programme Top Gear. The former England captain had largely stayed away from the game after retiring as a player before gradually returning to coaching and mentoring roles.
Flintoff’s departure leaves the Lions needing an interim replacement ahead of their upcoming fixture against Pakistan Men. Mike Yardy will take charge of the Professional County Club Select XI for the four-day match, which begins at Beckenham on August 12.
England Men’s Performance Director Ed Barney paid tribute to Flintoff’s work with the Lions, saying the former all-rounder had helped reshape the environment around the development programme.
“Fred has helped to transform the Lions environment into a programme that has had a major impact on young players,” Barney said.
He added that Flintoff had created an environment that both supported and challenged players to pursue excellence, while also helping coaches develop alongside the cricketers.
“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,” Barney said.
Flintoff now turns his attention to Sydney Thunder, where he will take on his first head coaching role in the Big Bash League.
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