Andrew Flintoff has been appointed Sydney Thunder Men’s Head Coach

Legendary former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has been named Sydney Thunder men’s head coach at Australia’s Big Bash, his first role in an overseas Twenty20 league.

Flintoff, 48, has been England Lions’ full-time coach from 2024 and will leave their tour of South Africa early to take up the role with the Thunder.

The Big Bash schedule is yet to be announced but the England Lions are scheduled to be in South Africa for the four-day match starting on December 18.

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 coach.

Flintoff, who is contracted for the next two BBL seasons and replaces former England coach Trevor Bayliss, said: “I can’t wait to get out there and get started.

“I look at it with a lot of optimism.

“You look at the franchise, you look at the players, you look at the support, and I think it’s something really big to build on.”

Led by former Australian opener David Warner, the Thunder were beaten finalists in the Big Bash last year.

Flintoff spent two seasons as Northern Superchargers men’s coach in The Hundred, guiding the Leeds-based side to fourth and third place finishes.

He was not retained for 2026 after the franchise was taken over by owners Sunrisers Group.

Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said: “This is a massive day in the history of Sydney Thunder and the BBL.

“Fred brings something truly unique to Sydney Thunder. He is a global icon of the game, but more importantly he is a modern leader who understands how to create high-performance environments, connect with players as people and set lasting standards.

“His passion for the game, coaching himself and knowledge of Australian cricket and our Thunder program stood out during the process.”