Andrew Flintoff steps down from job as England Lions head coach

Andrew Flintoff has stepped down from his role as head coach of England Lions.

The ex-England cricket captain had been in charge of the 'second tier' national side for almost two years.

He became involved in the set-up again in 2023 following serious injuries suffered in a car crash on the BBC show Top Gear.

But the 48-year-old announced on Friday he will leave the national set-up and continue his head coach position with the Sydney Thunder in the upcoming Australian T20 Big Bash League.

Flintoff said: "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'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 Thunder later in the year and see where coaching takes me."

Since returning to the England fold as a coach, Flintoff was with the Lions for 23 months, spent time with England's senior white ball teams and was part of the backroom staff at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

The ex-Lancashire all-rounder also coached The Hundred franchise, Northern Superchargers, for two seasons.

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Ed Barney, ECB men's performance director, said: "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."

He added: "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."

Flintoff was seriously injured in the smash on the Top Gear track in Surrey in December 2022, before he was airlifted to hospital.

He previously said he thought he had died in the accident, during which he was "pulled face-down on the runway" for around 50 metres under a three-wheel car.

(c) Sky News 2026: Andrew Flintoff steps down from job as England Lions head coach