Andrew Flintoff makes surprise exit as England Lions head coach after two years
Andrew Flintoff has abruptly stepped down as head coach of the England Lions cricket team to focus on his role with the Sydney Thunder and other professional commitments. Mike Yardy will take over coaching duties for the upcoming fixture against Pakistan.
Why it matters
The departure of a high-profile coach like Flintoff impacts the development pipeline for England's national cricket team.
Andrew Flintoff has been head coach of the England Lions since September 2024. Andrew Flintoff has been head coach of the England Lions since September 2024. Andrew Flintoff Andrew Flintoff makes surprise exit as England Lions head coach after two years Other demands meant he was unable to commit fully
Mike Yardy will step in for upcoming Pakistan fixture
Prefer the Guardian on Google Andrew Flintoff has decided to step down as the head coach of England Lions with immediate effect before his winter spell working in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).
The former all-rounder, 48, has been in charge of England’s second string since September 2024 and had been given the all-clear to leave this winter’s Lions tour of South Africa early to take up his new role at BBL side Sydney Thunder.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in