Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has stepped down as head coach of the England Lions, the country’s cricket board said on Friday, allowing the 48-year-old to focus on his new coaching role with Australia’s Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
Flintoff took charge of England’s second-string side in September 2024 and had initially been expected to combine the role with his appointment at the Thunder, which was announced in June. He had been due to leave a planned Lions tour of South Africa early to join the Australian franchise.
However, Flintoff has now opted to leave the national setup ahead of the Lions’ upcoming assignments, including a four-day warm-up against Pakistan before England’s three-match test series later this month.
“Unfortunately I’ve made the decision to step away from my role with the Lions,” Flintoff said in a statement.
“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 can’t wait to get started with the Thunder later in the year and see where coaching takes me.”
Flintoff also coached Northern Superchargers in The Hundred and worked with England’s white-ball teams as an informal consultant before taking charge of the Lions.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said Mike Yardy would take charge of the Professional County Club Select XI for Pakistan’s four-day warm-up match at Beckenham, beginning on Tuesday.
