Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndrew Flintoff had been England Lions head coach since 2024 (John Walton/PA)Andrew Flintoff has stepped down as head coach of the England Lions after almost two years in the role. The former England all-rounder was highly regarded for his work in developing the country's brightest young cricketing talents. Flintoff is leaving to take up a new coaching position with the Sydney Thunder in Australia's Big Bash League this winter. His departure comes shortly after Rob Key, the ECB's managing director, praised his coaching and tipped him as a potential future England head coach. Mike Yardy, a former Sussex and England all-rounder, will temporarily take charge for an upcoming Professional County Club Select XI match. In fullAndrew Flintoff steps down from England Lions role as coaching upheaval continuesMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

He previously agreed to become coach of the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash, Australia’s T20 league, which is due to start on December 12.

Flintoff was set to miss part of the team’s winter tour of South Africa due to a Big Bash League coaching role.