Flintoff leaves England Lions head coach role

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has resigned as head coach of the England Lions, expressing gratitude to the managing director Rob Key for entrusting him with the prestigious position. In his departure statement, Flintoff, 48, praised the coaches and staff for their dedication and support, stating he is excited to begin his new role with the Sydney Thunder franchise in the Australian Big Bash.

The Lions head coach, who had been with the national team since September 2024, also revealed he had earlier planned to join the Sydney Thunder but now departs the national setup. Flintoff, who previously coached the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, will take up his new coaching position with the Sydney Thunder later in the year.

England and Wales Cricket Board men's performance director Ed Barney praised Flintoff for transforming the Lions environment and helping young players grow, expressing his best wishes for Flintoff's future coaching career. Mike Yardy will temporarily assume the head coach role for a match against a Pakistan Professional County Club Select XI before the Lions face Sri Lanka in two T20 warm-up matches before their limited-overs tour of England.