KARACHI: Legendary England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is set for an unannounced stint as the fielding coach of Big Bash League (PBL) franchise Sydney Thunder, international media reported on Thursday.
According to a report by an international cricket news website, the Thunder were on the lookout for a fielding coach after parting ways with 2019 ODI World Cup-winning England coach Trevor Bayliss, who held the post for five years including the 2024-25 edition.
Following Bayliss’ departure, Thunder general manager Trent Copeland said the franchise would be looking for a “world-class T20 coach” and has landed on Flintoff, who has coached the England A side, the England Lions, for the past 12 months.
Former all-rounder Matthew Mott has worked as a consultant with England’s white-ball teams during his tenure as head coach.
But the 48-year-old, who has represented England in 79 Tests, 141 ODIs and seven T20Is, has a dark coaching experience in T20 cricket, with both his stints coming for the Northern Superchargers in the previous two editions of The Hundred.
Also, Flintoff’s association with the England Lions could affect his availability for the start of the next PPL season as the team is scheduled to tour South Africa in December for three one-day matches and two four-day matches.
The report further shared that one of Flintoff’s first decisions following his appointment as fielding coach will surround the captaincy of Australia’s David Warner, who was charged with drink-driving last month and will plead guilty at the next hearing on June 24.