Flintoff quits as England Lions’ coach to take up role at Sydney Thunder

London, Aug 8 (IANS) Andrew Flintoff’s decision to quit as the coach of England Lions has thrown a spanner in the works for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), as they now will have to pick a suitable replacement to manage the feeder line for the national side.

Flintoff is set to take over as head coach of Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Sydney Thunder in a few weeks.

The England Lions are the second-string side that is largely intended as a way for promising young cricketers to gain experience in international cricket.

In a statement on Friday night, the ECB confirmed that Flintoff has stepped down. “Andrew Flintoff has stepped down as Head Coach of the England Lions”.

Flintoff has taken over the role in September 2024 and has been central to establishing a world-class Lions environment that has, and will continue, to have a significant impact on the development of the next generation of players and coaches.

“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,” Flintoff was quoted as saying in the release by the ECB.

“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, who 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 [Sydney] Thunder later in the year and see where coaching takes me.”

Ed Barney, ECB Men’s Performance Director, thanked Flintoff for his major impact on the England Lions’ environment.

“Fred 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.

“Coaches have also flourished alongside him, whether early in their coaching journey or with decades of experience, and he has consistently maximised the expertise around the group. We wish him the best in the next stage of his coaching career and look forward to a time he returns to the English game,” he said.

Mike Yardy will step in as Head Coach for the four-day Professional County Club Select XI match against Pakistan Men, which begins at Beckenham on Wednesday.

–IANS

bsk/