Andrew Flintoff: Former all-rounder not thinking about being England coach

Flintoff led the Lions on trips to South Africa and Australia in the winter and, having been with England Under-19s for their win against India in Northampton on Monday, joined the full squad at their practice on Tuesday in Birmingham before the second Test against India.

McCullum was made England Test coach in 2022 and has overhauled the side by implementing a positive approach since. At the start of the year he also took on the role of England white-ball coach, having replaced Australian Matthew Mott who was sacked last year.

Flintoff worked under Mott on a temporary basis, first in September 2023 and then at the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean last year.

He is also a long-time friend of England managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key, who has said Flintoff would make an excellent head coach in the future.

“I’m enjoying working under Keysy,” said Flintoff, a crucial player in England’s famous 2005 Ashes win.

“It’s no secret he’s one of my best mates and he’s helped me so much in other things. With Baz, we’ve got a great relationship and the utmost respect.

“He’s unbelievable and the culture he’s created is incredible. It’s similar to what Gareth Southgate did with the football lads.”

Flintoff had largely moved away from cricket prior to his crash in December 2022, which left him with serious facial injuries.

After an initial private return – he attended matches in a balaclava at the invitation of Key – he was named head coach of the Superchargers’ men’s side in The Hundred last year and has become an increasingly public figure again.

“I’m not looking at the franchise world or anything else, although I do the Northern Superchargers which came around last year and I enjoy working with [Superchargers captain] Harry Brook on that.

“I think ‘I’ve got a job to do here’ and it’s not like ‘what’s next?’.”

Former all-rounder Moeen Ali also joined England’s staff on Monday as they prepared for the second Test which begins on Wednesday.