&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Andrew Flintoff quits England Lions role, takes over as Sydney Thunder head coach")
Former England captain and two-time Ashes winner Andrew Flintoff has stepped down from his role as England Lions head coach after securing a similar role at the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL). Flintoff was in charge of the Lions for nearly two years after he returned to cricket in 2024 following a car crash during a BBC television motor show, Top Gear.
Announcing his departure, Flintoff thanked all, especially ECB managing director Rob Key, for trusting him with one of the most important roles in English cricket.
"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 I have taken great pride in seeing them develop.
"I'd like to thank the coaches and staff for all their passion, tireless work and support they give every day. In particular, Ed Barney, whom I've loved working with and was so lucky to have as a performance director, and, obviously, Rob (Key) for trusting me with one of the most important roles in English cricket.
"I can't wait to get started with the Thunder later in the year and see where coaching takes me,” he added.
Trending Stories
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
National Handloom Day 2026: From Alia Bhatt to Samantha Ruth Prabhu; Actresses who celebrated India's textile heritage as brides
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Reels vs Results: Why political messaging alone won't win over India's young voters
)
Major relief for TN CM Vijay as wife Sangeetha withdraws infidelity and divorce petition
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How many soldiers operate one S-400 battery?
)
Russia forms Ukrainian Volunteer Spetsnaz Brigade to fight Ukraine
)
‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal
)
Rockstar to unveil GTA 6 extended look ahead of November launch
)
Secret weapon test blamed for US plane crash that killed four | Gravitas
)
Drug-resistant fungus that hides in hair and enters bloodstream reported in 23 US states
)
Ukrainian astronomers see gargantuan objects dashing at 39,600 kmph on the Moon - 'They can reach Earth in 20 minutes'
)
Technology transfer deal boosts India's defence manufacturing ambitions
)
Morale plummets on USS Abraham Lincoln: Are US sailors reaching a breaking point? | GRAVITAS
)
Border row erupts in Europe after Ceuta crossings, Spain imposes border controls on Italy
)
'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
Mithun Chakraborty undergoes surgery in Kolkata hospital; Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari visits
)
Primetime trailer: Robert Pattinson channels Chris Hansen in A24's dark crime thriller
)
Lightning bolt strikes football field in Thailand, killing a player during a match
)
US loses 23,000 jobs in July as labour market slowdown deepens
)
Thailand teen killed grandparents before shooting teachers at school – What we know about suspect
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New Friday OTT releases (August 7, 2026): Operation Safed Sagar, Vadhandhi, Main Vaapis Aaunga- 6 movies and TV shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Pentagon releases new batch of 41 UFO files, including videos and images
)
Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth scripts history as Indian Air Force gets its first woman ‘Top Gun’ pilot
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI doesn't need external fuel tanks to fly vast distances
)
US Senate passes sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill targeting energy revenue
)
India officially names 27 places in Arunachal to counter China's renaming claims
)
Double manifestation of glowing orb in Colorado spawns theories - Mind reading orb or balloon?
)
Trump calls White House ballroom ruling a 'national disgrace' as court says Congress approval needed
)
France offers deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets, with 94 to be made in India
)
US sanctions Iran’s crypto network after Strait of Hormuz attacks, offers $15m bounty for intel on IRGC finance
)
Fact Check: Did Obama spend $376 million to build a basketball court at the White House?
)
Chilling video shows students take cover as teen opens fire at Thai school
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the Su-30MKI is one of the heaviest fighters ever built
Besides handling his job with England Lions for 23 months, Flintoff was also part of the backroom staff of England’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the Americas, where they lost to the eventual winners India in the semifinal in Barbados.
Flintoff, a key figure in England’s 2005 Ashes-winning triumph, also coached Northern Superchargers in England’s premier domestic competition, The Hundred.
Barney Praises Impact on Young Players
Meanwhile, Barney, the ECB’s men’s performance director, also thanked Flintoff for his role in transforming the Lions environment.
"Fred (Flintoff) has helped to transform the Lions environment into a programme that has had a major impact on young players.
"By creating an environment that both supports and pushes excellence at all times, he has helped bring forward a new generation of young players,” he said.
