Andrew Flintoff named as new Sydney Thunder head coach

[p]The 48-year-old has signed a two-year deal for what will be his first overseas coaching role, following weeks of speculation.[/p][p]Former [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/england/UJC5mtAU/"]England[/a] captain [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/flintoff-andrew/KxfdNHpb/"]Flintoff[/a] starred for his country across all three formats and was last year linked with taking over from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mccullum-brendon/0KJ3u1y4/"]Brendon McCullum[/a] as England's head coach.[/p][p]The charismatic former all-rounder has cut his teeth in coaching with the second-string England Lions, as well as the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred.[/p][p]In 2022 the popular Flintoff was left with severe facial and rib injuries after a car crash while filming for the hit BBC television programme Top Gear.[/p][p]The Big Bash League is Australia's premier Twenty20 competition.[/p][p]"[b]I can't wait to get over there and get started,[/b]" he said in a statement released by the team.[/p][p][b]"I'm looking at this with a lot of optimism. 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[/b]."[/p][embed guid="ba9af533-8063-463f-abda-e939349cb073" url="https://x.com/BBL/status/2061962529254023202" social-type="twitter" /][p]The Thunder squad is led by former Australia opener [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/warner-david/vBpPglWe/"]David Warner[/a] and also includes [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/konstas-sam/2TKgmXRs/"]Sam Konstas[/a], the 20-year-old once seen as Warner's successor at Test level.[/p][p]They finished bottom of the table last time out, and Flintoff replaces Trevor Bayliss, who departed the role in February after six seasons at the helm.[/p][p]"[b]I want our players to connect with the people that come and see us. I want them to enjoy playing cricket,[/b]" said Flintoff, who had a stint in the BBL as a player over a decade ago.[/p][p]"However, all that is underpinned by hard work... I want them to play with passion and leave everything out there on the field.[/p][p]"[b]I'm excited to come over, get involved and coach this team. I'm here to do the best job I possibly can for the team and everybody that comes out and supports us,[/b]" he said.[/p]