Andrew Flintoff has decided to step down as the head coach of England Lions with immediate effect ahead of his winter spell working in Australia’s Big Bash League.
The former all-rounder, 48, has been in charge of England’s second string since September 2024 and had been given the all-clear to leave this winter’s Lions tour of South Africa early to take up his new role at BBL side Sydney Thunder.
But the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Friday evening that Flintoff has left the role. Flintoff is said to have decided the BBL job – plus TV work and family commitments – means he cannot commit fully to the Lions.
In an ECB statement, Flintoff said: “Unfortunately I’ve made the decision to step away from my role with the Lions. 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.”
Flintoff’s departure is somewhat abrupt, with Rob Key, the England men’s team director, having last week moved to defend his former teammate and close friend amid recent criticism of his role with the Lions team.
“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have him do it,” said Key. “I thought it was disrespectful for people to say that he shouldn’t have been doing it. He’s been outstanding in that job, and we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have him.”
Flintoff had recently been negotiating with the counties over player availability for the quasi-Lions XI that will serve as warm-up opposition for Pakistan’s Test squad in a four-day match at Beckenham starting on Wednesday.
Mike Yardy, the head coach of England Under-19s, will now run that team – officially the Professional County Club Select XI – using young players not currently in the Hundred or not required by their counties in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup.
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Meanwhile, England’s Test squad to face Pakistan in the series opener at Headingley has already suffered an injury doubt, with opener Emilio Gay having retired hurt while batting for Durham on Friday due to an apparent shoulder issue. Ollie Pope, a middle order player, is currently the reserve batter in the squad and so a full-time opener may yet be required if Gay’s injury proves significant.
