Andrew Flintoff named Sydney Thunder head coach

Andrew Flintoff has been appointed Sydney Thunder head coach on a two-year deal. The former England captain is taking up his first overseas coaching role with the Big Bash League side.

SYDNEY: Former England captain Andrew Flintoff has been named head coach of Sydney Thunder on a two-year contract, with the Big Bash League side describing the appointment as its most significant off-field signing in club history.

The 48-year-old takes up his first coaching role outside England after weeks of speculation over his future. Flintoff, who represented England in all three formats, had also been linked last year with succeeding Brendon McCullum as England head coach.

He has built his coaching experience with England Lions and with Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. Sydney Thunder said Flintoff will replace Trevor Bayliss, who left the role in February after six seasons in charge.

Thunder endured a difficult previous campaign and finished at the bottom of the table. The squad is captained by former Australia opener David Warner and also includes Sam Konstas, the 20-year-old who had once been viewed as Warner’s successor at Test level.

In a statement issued by the club, Flintoff said he was eager to begin work with the franchise.

I can't wait to get over there and get started

He added:

I'm looking at this with a lot of optimism. You look at the franchise, you look at the players, you look at the support, and I think there's something really big to build on.

Flintoff also set out the approach he wants from the team and its connection with supporters.

I want our players to connect with the people that come and see us. I want them to enjoy playing cricket

He said hard work would remain central to that vision.

However, all that is underpinned by hard work... I want them to play with passion and leave everything out there on the field.

I'm excited to come over, get involved and coach this team. I'm here to do the best job I possibly can for the team and everybody that comes out and supports us

Flintoff previously spent time in the BBL as a player more than a decade ago. The competition is Australia’s premier Twenty20 tournament.

His appointment comes after a difficult period in his personal life. In 2022, Flintoff suffered serious facial and rib injuries in a crash while filming the BBC television programme Top Gear.