Andrew Flintoff insists he has no designs on Brendon McCullum’s role, comparing the magnitude of the job he has done in turning around English cricket to that of Gareth Southgate with the national football team.
As recently as a fortnight ago, Rob Key, England’s director of cricket, said: ‘I think he’d be an excellent head coach of England, Andrew Flintoff.’
However, Flintoff, 47, told The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket show: ‘It’s not something I’m looking at, Baz McCullum is incredible – the best England coach. He’s unbelievable and the culture he’s created is incredible; the way in which England plays and how they work, how they are as people.
‘It’s similar to what Gareth Southgate did with the football lads, not just good players but they’re great lads as well.’
Key considered Flintoff for the role of England white-ball coach when Matthew Mott was sacked a year ago, but placed him in charge of England Lions on a 12-month contract from October 1 last year.
‘I’m enjoying working under Keysy, it’s no secret he’s one of my best mates and he’s helped me so much in other things. Baz, we’ve got a great relationship and the utmost respect,’ Flintoff added.
Andrew Flintoff reveals he has no plans on succeeding Brendon McCullum as England coach
Flintoff is currently in charge of England Lions – a role he is relishing while developing talent
He spoke about his future on the latest episode of Stick to Cricket, brought to you by Betfair
‘Honestly, at the moment, I feel as though I’m in the perfect place working with the Lions. I don’t see this as a stepping stone to anything else, I’m invested in this and get a chance to work with these lads.
‘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 Harry Brook on that.
‘I’ve been guilty of, in the TV world and in retirement, of always looking for the next thing, chasing things. I’m actually really happy, working with great lads and great staff around me. I think “I’ve got a job to do here,” and it’s not like “what’s next?”.’
Since returning to the sport following the horrific Top Gear car smash that left him with life-changing injuries, Flintoff has been influential in identifying young talent – first recommending Sonny Baker be placed on an ECB development contract and then promoting the talents of his fellow Hampshire pace bowler Eddie Jack.
‘Nothing comes close to coaching, I genuinely don’t see it as a job, it’s a privilege. I’m in a dressing room, working with England’s best young players – they’re great kids,’ he continued.
‘Over the winter, Sonny Baker, giving him a debut in Australia, somebody let him go! Eddie Jack, his first wicket was Yashasvi Jaiswal and he’s got KL Rahul – I gave him a debut.
‘On the surface you’re quite calm, but you just want these lads to do so well. I think with the role I’ve got now, obviously we want to win, but it’s something we never really talk about.
‘You get a group and a team together and it’s a given that you want to win. I’m more interested in how we play and how we go about things.
‘These lads, there’s different wins along the way. For me, if some of these lads play for England that’s a win, it’s not just about the game.’
The Overlap and Betfair’s Stick to Cricket will be released on a weekly basis, featuring Michael Vaughan, Sir Alastair Cook, David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd and Phil ‘Tuffers’ Tufnell, and occasional special guests.
