The former captain has returned to cricket over the past year, serving as assistant coach at this summer’s T20 World Cup and leading Northern Superchargers in the most recent edition of the Hundred.

Flintoff has recently been seen at the test side at the Kia Oval for a match against Sri Lanka and has now agreed to take on the Lions for the next four series.

The former Cricketer has also signed up for winter tours of South Africa and Australia as well as summer fixtures against India A and Zimbabwe.

Freddie Flintoff lands new job

Discussing his new role, Flintoff said: “I’m incredibly excited to take on this role with the England Lions.”

Adding: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best up-and-coming talent in the country and to help shape the future of the men’s game.

“The Lions programme has always been a vital stepping stone for players pushing for international success, and I’m honoured to be part of that journey.

“The future of the game in England is in excellent health. There is a wealth of talent emerging, and I’m looking forward to helping these players reach their full potential.

“It’s an exciting time for English cricket, and I’m passionate about inspiring the next generation to take the sport forward. We’ve got a strong foundation, and I believe we can create something truly special.”

Flintoff, who recently fronted a well-received second series of Field of Dreams on BBC, has been tipped as a future England head coach by director of cricket Rob Key.

The BBC star previously appeared on Top Gear which had been rested for the “foreseeable future” after Flintoff was badly hurt in an accident while filming at Dunsfold Aerodrome in December 2022.

RECOMMENDED READING

Freddie Flintoff to land first permanent role since Top Gear crash

Now, fellow former Top Gear presenter Rory Reid has said he thought the show “wasn’t going to end well” when Paddy McGuinness and Flintoff were announced as new presenters.

The 44-year-old motoring journalist said he thought the stars’ arrival on the show was “an exciting development” for Top Gear, but added he did not think they had the driving experience to “be able to do some of the things the BBC was asking me to do”.

Speaking on Times Radio, Reid said: “I didn’t think it was going to end well. That was my first ever thought having heard about who would be on the show.”