Freddie Flintoff, 48, QUITS England job after two years as cricket icon hails job for ‘saving’ him after Top Gear crash

ANDREW FLINTOFF has quit as England Lions coach to try to join the lucrative franchise circuit. The former England all-rounder and captain already has a gig with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash this winter. Freddie Flintoff has left his role as England Lions coach Credit: Rex He is heading to Australia to work with the Sydney Thunder this winter Credit: PA Flintoff, 48, 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. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! “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.” Flintoff was coaxed back to cricket by his close friend Rob Key, the England team supremo, after his near-fatal accident while filming for Top Gear. But he never had ambitions to become head coach of the senior England team. He joined the Lions in September 2024 and was more of an encourager than a technical coach. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Pal Rob Key was instrumental in his return to cricket Credit: Alamy Recent results have been poor, partly because other countries field their second teams while the Lions pick youngsters. Confirming Flintoff’s Lions exit, ECB performance director Barney added: “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. “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.” Comment now