Andrew Flintoff Set to Become New Sydney Thunder Coach in Big Bash League

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is all set to be named the new head coach of Sydney Thunder for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. This will be his first overseas coaching job in franchise cricket.

Andrew Flintoff is set to be named the new Sydney Thunder coach, beating the likes of Dan Christian and James Foster for the job 👀

(via @BenHorne8) pic.twitter.com/E98XsndidK

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) May 14, 2026

Thunder decided to bring in Flintoff after parting ways with Trevor Bayliss. Bayliss, who coached England to the 2019 ODI World Cup win, had five years with Thunder. He took them to the BBL final in the 2024-25 season. But the team finished last in the two seasons before that and also in 2025-26.

Flintoff has been coaching the England Lions team for the last 12 months. He also led the Lions on a tour of Australia last year. He has worked briefly with England’s white-ball team as a consultant as well. His only experience in franchise coaching so far has been with Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. He spent two seasons with them in 2024 and 2025.

As a player, Flintoff has some BBL experience too. He played one season for Brisbane Heat in 2014-15. He featured in only seven matches for them. But those were the last games of his 20-year professional career.

One of the first big decisions Flintoff will have to make is about the captaincy of David Warner. Warner was charged with drink driving in April. He is expected to plead guilty when the case is heard in court on June 24.

Flintoff’s appointment will complete the coaching setup for Cricket New South Wales. James Hopes was named Sydney Sixers coach earlier this month. Brad Haddin took over as the state coach after NSW parted ways with Greg Shipperd.

                                               

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