Andrew Flintoff steps down as England Lions coach

Andrew Flintoff has resigned as head coach of the England Lions, the country's cricket board announced Friday. The former England all-rounder will now concentrate on his coaching position with Australia's Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

Flintoff took charge of England's second-string team in September 2024. He had initially planned to balance his Lions duties with his new role at the Thunder, which was confirmed in June. His departure means he will leave a planned Lions tour of South Africa early to join the Australian franchise.

Instead of continuing with the national setup, Flintoff opted to step away ahead of the Lions' upcoming assignments. These include a four-day warm-up match against Pakistan before a three-match test series against England later this month.

"Unfortunately I've made the decision to step away from my role with the Lions," Flintoff stated. "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... I can't wait to get started with the Thunder later in the year and see where coaching takes me."

Flintoff previously coached Northern Superchargers in The Hundred and provided informal consulting for England's white-ball teams before leading the Lions. The cricket board confirmed that Mike Yardy will assume the head coaching role for the Professional County Club Select XI's match against Pakistan, scheduled to begin Tuesday in Beckenham.

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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 ... I can't wait to get started with the Thunder later in the year and see where coaching takes me.