Flintoff to remain Lions coach through to 2027

Andrew Flintoff has extended his tenure as England Lions head coach, with his contract now running until January 2027, BBC Sport understands. The former England all-rounder, who initially signed a one-year deal in September 2024, quietly agreed the new terms late last year, although the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) did not publicise the arrangement at the time.

The 48-year-old’s first assignment in charge saw him lead the Lions on a demanding tour of Australia last November and December, shadowing the senior side during their 4-1 Ashes defeat. After serving as the opposition for England’s solitary Ashes warm-up fixture, the Lions were beaten by an innings in their unofficial ‘Test’ against Australia A.

Flintoff will return to the dug-out next Friday when the Lions face Pakistan Shaheens in a white-ball series in the UAE. England Test captain Ben Stokes and former all-rounder Moeen Ali have been drafted into the Lions coaching staff for the matches, underscoring the ECB’s desire to integrate senior experience with emerging talent.

While Flintoff has been mentioned as a possible successor to Brendon McCullum should the current England head coach step away, he has previously distanced himself from the top job, insisting the role is not one he covets.

The Lancashire legend came back to cricket in 2023 after a high-profile Top Gear accident left him with serious facial injuries. He spent time with England’s white-ball squad and coached Northern Superchargers for two seasons in The Hundred before walking away in October, declaring himself “worth more” than the offer tabled by the franchise’s new owners, Sun Group.

Flintoff’s close relationship with England director of cricket Rob Key and long-standing ties to ECB chairman Richard Thompson—both linked through the Saatchi talent management agency—have been instrumental in his swift rise through the national coaching ranks.

Off the field, the Flintoff family’s cricketing story continues to unfold. In January 2024, 16-year-old Rocky Flintoff became the youngest man to score a century for the Lions, achieving the feat against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane. Now 17 and out of contract with Lancashire, Rocky is expected to pen a new deal at Old Trafford before turning 18 in April. Older brother Corey, a 19-year-old seamer, signed a two-year contract with Kent at the start of last season.

With Flintoff’s extended commitment, the Lions will look to build on the lessons learned in Australia and push a fresh crop of players toward international honours over the next two-and-a-half years.