Cricket great Andrew Flintoff gets new role for England after successful TV career

Former England cricket star Andrew Flintoff appointed head coach of England Lions, bringing leadership and expertise to the role.

Cricket great Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff was appointed head coach of the England Lions on Saturday (September 7, 2024). The former England captain has been a successful television personality since ending his storied playing career, but his appointment is his latest step into coaching.

“I'm incredibly excited to take on this role with the England Lions. It's a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best up-and-coming talent in the country and to help shape the future of the men's game," Flintoff said.

Flintoff has signed up for the winter tours of South Africa and Australia as well as summer fixtures against India A and Zimbabwe. Since returning to cricket over the past year, the 46-year-old has been an assistant coach at this summer's T20 World Cup.

He led the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. He is currently standing in for batting coach Marcus Trescothick for England for this week's test against Sri Lanka.

Flintoff, who was an all-rounder, played 79 Tests for England and was the 2005 Ashes player of the series.

In December 2022, Flintoff sustained facial injuries from an accident that occurred during filming for “Top Gear" at the show's test track in Surrey.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said Flintoff was the “standout candidate from a pool of high-caliber applicants.”