Andrew Flintoff resigns as England Lions head coach

Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder who played 227 matches for England between 1998 and 2009, has stepped down as head coach of England Lions within the national set-up, the decision announced on 7 August 2026.

Flintoff, 48, had been head coach of the Lions since September 2024 and in a leaving statement thanked England managing director Rob Key for "trusting me with one of the most important roles in English cricket." He was named head coach of Australian Big Bash franchise Sydney Thunder in June, taking up his first overseas T20 coaching role, and had initially been expected to remain with the Lions while preparing to join the Thunder.

"Unfortunately I've made the decision to step away from my role with the Lions," said Flintoff. "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." He added: "I'd like to thank the coaches and staff for all their passion, tireless work and support they give everyday." "I can't wait to get started with the Thunder later in the year and see where coaching takes me."

Flintoff also spent two seasons as Northern Superchargers men's coach in The Hundred, during which the Leeds-based side finished fourth and third. He was not retained for 2026 after the franchise was taken over by the owners of the Sunrisers group.

Before his Lions appointment, Flintoff had helped to coach England's white-ball sides on an informal basis and had left his role as a presenter on the television driving programme Top Gear. His final assignment with the Lions was South Africa A's tour of England in May and June, where his side lost both four-day matches and two of three 50-over games.

"Fred has helped to transform the Lions environment into a programme that has had a major impact on young players," said England and Wales Cricket Board men's performance director Ed Barney. "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."

Mike Yardy will take charge for the four-day Professional County Club Select XI match that serves as Pakistan's warm-up before their three-Test series against England later this month; the fixture begins at Beckenham on Wednesday, 12 August. The Lions are also scheduled to be the opposition for Sri Lanka's two T20 warm-ups at the start of their limited-overs tour of England in September.