Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 14: Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is reportedly set to become the new head coach of Sydney Thunder ahead of the upcoming season of the Big Bash League.

The franchise has been searching for a new coach following the departure of Trevor Bayliss, whose five-year stint with the team came to an end after a mixed run of performances.

Although Bayliss guided Sydney Thunder to the BBL final during the 2024–25 season, the side also struggled through disappointing campaigns, finishing at the bottom of the table in both the 2023–24 and 2025–26 editions.

According to reports from Code Sports, Flintoff has emerged as the leading choice for the role and an official announcement from the franchise is expected soon.

If confirmed, the position would mark Flintoff’s first major coaching assignment with an overseas T20 franchise. Over the past year, the former England star has been involved with the England Lions set-up and was part of the coaching staff during the Lions’ tour of Australia alongside the Ashes series.

Flintoff has also built coaching experience in franchise cricket through his stint with Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. He coached the side for two seasons between 2024 and 2025, helping them secure fourth and third-place finishes.

The former cricketer is no stranger to Australian T20 cricket either. He previously represented Brisbane Heat during the 2014–15 BBL season, which eventually became the final chapter of his professional playing career. Flintoff played seven matches for the franchise before retiring from all forms of cricket.

Should the appointment go through, Flintoff could face an early challenge regarding the leadership structure of the team. Veteran opener David Warner remains under scrutiny after being charged in a drink-driving case and is reportedly expected to plead guilty when the matter returns to court on June 24.