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Legendary former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been named Sydney Thunder men’s head coach in Australia’s Big Bash, his first role in an overseas T20 league.<\/b><\/p>\n
Flintoff, 48, has been England Lions’ full-time coach since 2024 and will leave their tour of South Africa early to take up the role with Thunder.<\/p>\n
The Big Bash schedule is yet to be announced but England Lions are due to be in South Africa until a four-day match starting on 18 December.<\/p>\n
He will travel with the blessing of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), who see it as an opportunity for Flintoff to develop as a coach.<\/p>\n
Flintoff, who has signed for the next two BBL seasons and replaces former England coach Trevor Bayliss, said: “I can’t wait to get over there and get started.<\/p>\n
“I’m looking at this with a lot of optimism.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Captained by former Australia opener David Warner, Thunder were beaten finalists in the Big Bash last year.<\/p>\n
Flintoff also spent two seasons as Northern Superchargers men’s coach in The Hundred, leading the Leeds-based side to fourth and third-placed finishes.<\/p>\n
He was not retained for 2026 after the franchise was taken over by the owners of the Sunrisers group.<\/p>\n
Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said: “This is a huge day in the history of Sydney Thunder, and the BBL more broadly.<\/p>\n
“Fred brings something truly unique to Sydney Thunder. He’s a global icon of the game, but more importantly he is a modern leader who understands how to build high-performance environments, connect with players as people, and set standards that last.<\/p>\n
“His passion for the game, coaching itself and knowledge of Australian cricket and our Thunder program stood out during the process.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n