Former international all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has said he can create “something truly special” after being appointed head coach of the England Lions.
Flintoff will lead the men’s development team on their winter tours of South Africa and Australia and home series against India A and Zimbabwe in summer 2025.
“The Lions programme has always been a vital stepping stone for players pushing for international success,” Flintoff said of the development team.
“I’m honoured to be part of that journey. The future of the game in England is in excellent health.”
BREAKING: Andrew Flintoff has been appointed as England Men’s Lions Head Coach 🚨 PIC.TWITTER.COM/OCW6M74VOQ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) SEPTEMBER 7, 2024
Flintoff: England Lions ‘potential’
“There is a wealth of talent emerging and I’m looking forward to helping these players reach their full potential,” added Flintoff.
“Whether these players are pushing for England selection or finding their feet in Lions cricket, I have no doubt that the Lions programme will offer a real point of difference in their development.”
The 46-year-old became a consultant coach for England’s white-ball side in 2023 and was head coach for the Northern Superchargers in this year’s Hundred.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said Flintoff had been the “standout candidate” among “high-calibre applicants”.
“Sorry, I’m getting all emotional” 🥲
Freddie Flintoff delivering a cap presentation for the ages to make Josh Hull feel 9ft tall on debut 🦸 PIC.TWITTER.COM/OHBKMSO3I8
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) SEPTEMBER 6, 2024
Andrew Flintoff career
Flintoff played in 79 Tests and 141 one-day internationals between 1998 and 2009.
He returned to cricket in 2023 following an accident on the set of TV motoring show Top Gear that caused him severe facial injuries.
The Lancashire legend showed his mentoring qualities when he gave a speech to England newcomer Josh Hull before handing the 20-year-old his debut cap on Friday at The Oval.
Speaking to Hull, his team-mates and family before the third Test against Sri Lanka, Flintoff added: “When you get older, you sit back and look at this and you say ‘these were the best times of my life’.”
The ECB’s footage of the exchange received more than a million views within 24 hours.
