Andrew Flintoff has been appointed because the England Males’s Lions head coach for the subsequent 12 months.
Flintoff will take up the function from October, with a schedule that features a tour of South Africa, a crimson ball tour of Australia in January, and a summer time collection in opposition to India A and Zimbabwe on dwelling soil.
Over 2024, Flintoff has been concerned with the England males’s white-ball staff as an assistant coach in the course of the T20 World Cup and West Indies tour, had consultancy roles with the nationwide squads, and brought cost of the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.
“I’m incredibly excited to take on this role with the England Lions. 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,” mentioned Flintoff.
“The Lions programme has at all times been a significant stepping stone for gamers pushing for worldwide success, and I am honoured to be a part of that journey.
“The way forward for the sport in England is in wonderful well being. There’s a wealth of expertise rising, and I am trying ahead to serving to these gamers attain their full potential.
“Whether or not these gamers are pushing for England choice or discovering their ft in Lions cricket, I’ve little question that the Lions programme will provide an actual level of distinction of their growth.
“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.”
Ed Barney, ECB Males’s Efficiency Director, mentioned: “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 imaginative and prescient aligns very intently with the taking part in fashion and id that has been fostered with England Males beneath Brendon McCullum and this appointment contributes to a very thrilling outlook for the way forward for English cricket.
“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 steerage, the highest-potential gamers will proceed to develop, thrive and take their recreation to new ranges. I am assured his affect will resonate throughout English cricket, serving to drive the sport ahead.”
Responsibilities for Flintoff will include “efficiency planning, participant growth evaluations with counties, staff choice, and participant value determinations”.
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