Andrew Flintoff has resigned as England Lions head coach after less than two years in the role, ending his planned continued involvement with the national development side. His departure matters because the Lions are central to preparing young players for international cricket, although the ECB said Flintoff had strengthened the programme and supported coaches as well as players.

The 48-year-old took charge in September 2024 and was appointed Sydney Thunder head coach in June for his first overseas T20 coaching job. He had expected to leave a Lions tour of South Africa early to join the Australian side, but will now leave England entirely; Mike Yardy will lead the Professional County Club Select XI against Pakistan from 12 August, while the Lions also have Sri Lanka warm-up matches in September.