IND vs ENG: ‘Baz is incredible’ – Former all-rounder calls Brendon McCullum best England coach | Cricket News
Former England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff has dismissed speculation about succeeding Brendon McCullum as England head coach, despite his recent success with the England Lions and Northern Superchargers. Speaking in London on July 1, 2025, Flintoff expressed his contentment with his current role and praised McCullum’s leadership of the national team.Flintoff, 47, has made a successful return to cricket coaching following a serious car accident during the filming of BBC’s Top Gear program, which left him with severe facial and rib injuries.His coaching career has included working with the England Lions and leading the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred competition, where he improved the team’s performance after they finished last in the previous season.“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. It’s similar to what Gareth Southgate did with the football lads; they are not just good players but great lads as well,” Flintoff said on the Stick to Cricket podcast.
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The 2005 Ashes hero has developed strong working relationships with key figures in English cricket, including England managing director Rob Key and McCullum himself.“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. With Baz, we’ve got a great relationship and the utmost respect,” Flintoff stated.His coaching journey began when he joined Matthew Mott‘s white-ball coaching team in September 2023, though he did not attend that year’s World Cup in India.Flintoff was part of England’s coaching staff during the T20 World Cup, which ended with a semi-final exit and Mott’s subsequent dismissal.
His recent achievements include leading the Lions on their Australian tour and overseeing two unofficial Test matches against India A.“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,” Flintoff explained.He also expressed satisfaction with his role at the Northern Superchargers, stating, “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 think ‘I’ve got a job to do here’ and it’s not like ‘what’s next?'”The speculation about Flintoff’s potential elevation to England head coach arose as McCullum’s current contract, covering all three formats, extends through the 2027 World Cup.
