Freddie Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, has been named as the new head coach of the England Lions for the upcoming year.

Following his recovery from a serious accident on the set of Top Gear, which resulted in significant injuries, Flintoff has made a remarkable comeback to cricket over the past twelve months. The 46-year-old has previously served as an assistant coach for England’s white-ball teams and helmed the Northern Superchargers’ men’s squad in The Hundred competition.

Flintoff’s latest role with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is a major step, entrusting him with the responsibility of nurturing the nation’s promising young cricketers.

“I’m incredibly excited to take on this role with the Lions,” Flintoff expressed. “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 player reach their full potential.

“Whether these players are pushing for selection or finding their feet with the Lions, I have no doubt the programme will offer a real point of difference in their development.

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

Flintoff has joined Brendon McCullum’s Test side as an assistant coach with a focus on batting. The ECB has outlined his role to encompass performance planning, liaising with counties for player development reviews, team selection, and conducting player appraisals.

Ed Barney, ECB men’s performance director, expressed his excitement about Flintoff’s appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Flintoff into this key role. Andrew stood out thanks to his inspirational leadership, coaching expertise, and deep understanding of the game. His vision aligns very closely with the playing style and identity that has been fostered with England Men under Brendon McCullum and this appointment contributes to a truly exciting outlook for the future of English cricket.”

Barney also highlighted the significance of Flintoff’s role in nurturing emerging talent: “The England Lions programme is a cornerstone of our cricketing structure, playing a critical role in nurturing the next generation of talent. With Andrew’s guidance, the highest potential players will continue to develop, thrive and take their game to new levels. I’m confident his influence will resonate across English cricket, helping drive the game forward.”