Andrew Flintoff has been selected as the new head coach of the England Lions cricket team.

The 46-year-old, who formerly captained his country and won the Ashes in 2005, has been working with the white-ball team as of late.

Flintoff has coached the men’s Northampton Superchargers side in The Hundred and is with England’s Test team for their final series match against Sri Lanka.

Ahead of upcoming winter tours of South Africa and Australia, ‘Freddie’ will commence work in his new role in October.

“I’m incredibly excited to take on this role with the England Lions,” he said. “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.

“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.

“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, the Men’s Performance Director for the ECB [England and Wales Cricket Board], also said: “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.

“The England Lions programme is a cornerstone of our cricketing structure, playing a critical role in nurturing the next generation of talent.

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“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.”

Flintoff featured for England from 1998 to 2009, playing 79 Tests and emerging as one of cricket’s best ever all-rounders.

He ventured into television presenting after retirement, most notably on the hit BBC show Top Gear.

However, he suffered nasty facial and rib injuries during an accident that saw his car flip over during filming in 2022.

Flintoff was pictured for the first time since then in September when he attended England’s one-day international series opener against New Zealand.