Dale Steyn to Coach England Lions Fast Bowlers in South Africa

Dale Steyn to Coach England Lions Fast Bowlers in South Africa

Dale Steyn, the legendary South African fast bowler, will join Andrew Flintoff’s coaching staff for the England Lions tour of South Africa next month. Steyn, who retired from international cricket in 2019, will work with some of England’s most promising young fast bowlers, including Pat Brown, Josh Hull, and Dillon Pennington.

The Lions tour, which will run from November 20 to December 14, will consist of a training camp and a four-day match against South Africa A. The squad includes ten seamers, reflecting England’s focus on developing fast bowlers.

Steyn, who took 439 wickets in his Test career, will provide invaluable guidance to the young bowlers. He is known for his exceptional pace, accuracy, and swing bowling. His experience and expertise will be crucial in helping the Lions bowlers improve their skills and reach their full potential.

Neil McKenzie, the former South Africa batter, will oversee the Lions’ batting group. McKenzie, who has worked with the South Africa national team and Desert Vipers, will provide mentorship and support to the young batsmen.

The Lions tour is part of the ECB’s ongoing commitment to developing young players and building a strong pipeline of talent for the England team. The ECB’s performance director, Ed Barney, said that the seam-dominated squad reflects “England’s short and long-term needs” across formats.

The Lions tour will provide a valuable opportunity for the young players to gain experience in South African conditions and learn from some of the best coaches in the world. It is expected to be a significant step in their development as they aim to represent England in the future.

Flintoff to Lead England Lions Squad to South Africa for Training Camp and Unofficial Test

Flintoff to Lead England Lions Squad to South Africa for Training Camp and Unofficial Test

Andrew Flintoff, the newly appointed England Lions head coach, will lead a 19-man squad to South Africa next month for a training camp and an unofficial four-day Test against South Africa A. The tour, scheduled from November 20 to December 14, aims to replicate the training methods of the senior men’s squad, who will be playing a Test series in New Zealand during the same period.

The squad includes six new inclusions, including Jafer Chohan, the Yorkshire legspinner who recently earned his first senior white-ball call-up. Chohan, the first graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy to be named in an England squad, will have a limited role due to prior Big Bash League commitments.

Other notable inclusions are Josh Hull, who withdrew from the ongoing Test tour of Pakistan with a quad injury, and Matt Hurst, the Lancashire wicketkeeper-batter making his first Lions tour. The squad also features several recent graduates from England’s Under-19 set-up, such as Harry Moore, a highly-rated 17-year-old Derbyshire fast bowler, and Freddie McCann, the Nottinghamshire opener who played a crucial role in preserving his team’s top-flight status in the County Championship.

Flintoff expressed his excitement about the potential of the squad, stating, “We’re delighted to have such a high-potential group of players heading to South Africa. We have a mix of well-established performers who’ve been in the England setup and excelled in the domestic game, through to some of the most exciting young talent coming through.”

England Men’s performance director, Ed Barney, emphasized the alignment of the selection with England’s short and long-term needs across all formats, particularly in supporting pace bowlers. He added, “We are also excited about the competitive match opportunities, with a four-day fixture against South Africa A offering the opportunity for the squad to enjoy putting their skills on show against strong opposition.”

The full coaching and support staff for the tour will be announced shortly.

Yuvraj Singh Recalls Heated Exchange with Flintoff in 2007 T20 World Cup

Yuvraj Singh Recalls Heated Exchange with Flintoff in 2007 T20 World Cup

Yuvraj Singh Recounts Heated Exchange with Andrew Flintoff in 2007 T20 World Cup

Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has shed light on a fiery verbal altercation he had with England’s Andrew Flintoff during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. The tournament is etched in cricket history for several memorable moments, including Yuvraj’s iconic six sixes off Stuart Broad and the heated exchange with Flintoff.

Yuvraj recalled that Flintoff’s provocation began after he hit a couple of boundaries off his bowling. “Freddie bowled two good balls, but I hit them for boundaries. When I was walking after taking a single, he said, ‘F… shit shots,'” Yuvraj revealed on the Club Prairie Fire podcast.

Flintoff’s comments ignited a verbal spat between the two players, forcing the umpire to intervene. “He repeated that on my face. I walked towards him; he kind of spat on me. I showed him my bat, saying that you know where it’s going to go. It went worse after that. Then the umpire came in,” Yuvraj added.

Despite the altercation, Yuvraj remained focused and went on to hit six consecutive sixes off Broad in the same over. However, he admitted that he took more satisfaction from hitting Flintoff for a six. “I hit Freddie for a six, I enjoyed it more (than six sixes),” Yuvraj said.

Yuvraj’s presence in the tournament proved crucial for India’s triumph. His former teammate Sreesanth recently stated that India would not have won the inaugural T20 World Cup without Yuvraj’s contributions. “Without Yuvraj, I don’t think we would have won the World Cup,” Sreesanth said.

In a thrilling final against Pakistan, India emerged victorious, becoming the first team to clinch the T20 World Cup title. Yuvraj’s six sixes and his heated exchange with Flintoff remain iconic moments in the history of the tournament.

Yuvraj Singh Recounts Iconic Six Sixes, Reveals Flintoff's Role

Yuvraj Singh Recounts Iconic Six Sixes, Reveals Flintoff’s Role

Yuvraj Singh, the former Indian all-rounder, etched his name in cricket history with his iconic feat of hitting six consecutive sixes in an over against England’s Stuart Broad during the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. This extraordinary display of power and skill has become a legendary moment in the annals of the sport.

In a recent interview on the ‘Club Prairie Fire’ podcast, Yuvraj recounted the incident, revealing that it was fueled by a verbal altercation with England’s Andrew Flintoff. “He kind of spat at me,” said Yuvraj. “So I told him, ‘You see this bat in my hand, you know where it’s gonna go’.”

The exchange escalated, and Yuvraj’s anger found its outlet in the six balls delivered by Broad. “That’s when the umpire came in,” he recalled.

The video of Yuvraj’s six sixes has garnered an astonishing 96 million views on the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) YouTube channel. When asked if he had ever considered sending the ICC an invoice for the massive viewership, Yuvraj joked, “I would have made a lot of money.”

Yuvraj’s six sixes not only showcased his exceptional batting prowess but also highlighted the intense rivalry between India and England. The match was a high-stakes encounter, and Yuvraj’s performance played a pivotal role in India’s victory.

The left-handed batter, who retired from cricket in 2019, remains one of the most beloved and respected figures in the sport. His six sixes will forever be remembered as a testament to his talent, determination, and the unforgettable moments that cricket can produce.

Yuvraj Singh's Six-Hitting Masterclass: A Tale of Revenge and Redemption

Yuvraj Singh’s Six-Hitting Masterclass: A Tale of Revenge and Redemption

On September 19, 2007, Yuvraj Singh etched his name into cricket history with a blistering six-hitting spree against England in the inaugural T20 World Cup. Facing Stuart Broad, the Indian all-rounder unleashed a barrage of sixes that became an iconic moment in the sport.

The story behind Yuvraj’s six-fest is a tale of revenge, adrenaline, and a heated altercation with England’s Andrew Flintoff. After being hit for five sixes by Dimitri Mascarenhas in an ODI earlier that year, Yuvraj was determined to make amends.

As Broad began his over, Flintoff’s words ignited a fire within Yuvraj. The first ball sailed over the boundary, followed by four more in quick succession. With the fifth six, Yuvraj had equaled Mascarenhas’ feat.

But the Indian southpaw wasn’t done yet. The sixth and final delivery was a full yorker, but Yuvraj anticipated it perfectly and sent it soaring over the long-on boundary. The crowd erupted in a frenzy, and Yuvraj’s smile was a testament to his triumph.

Yuvraj’s innings of 58 runs from just 16 balls, including the fastest fifty at the time, proved decisive in India’s 20-run victory. The team went on to win the T20 World Cup, with Yuvraj playing a pivotal role throughout the tournament.

The six-hitting spree against Broad remains one of the most memorable moments in cricket history. It showcased Yuvraj’s exceptional talent, his ability to rise to the occasion, and the enduring legacy of the T20 World Cup.

Andrew Flintoff Appointed England Lions Head Coach

Andrew Flintoff Appointed England Lions Head Coach

Andrew Flintoff, the legendary English cricketer, has been appointed as the new head coach of the England Lions, the national team’s development squad. Flintoff, who played 79 Tests for England, will take up his new role in October, leading the Lions on tours to South Africa, Australia, India, and Zimbabwe over the next year.

Flintoff’s appointment is a testament to his growing reputation as a coach. Since returning to cricket in 2023 after a horrific car crash, he has worked as an assistant coach with the England men’s team and as head coach of the Northern Superchargers in the Men’s Hundred.

In his new role, Flintoff will be responsible for performance planning, player development reviews, team selection, and player appraisals. He will also work closely with the England men’s team management, led by head coach Brendon McCullum.

Flintoff’s appointment has been welcomed by England’s men’s performance director, Ed Barney. “Andrew stood out thanks to his inspirational leadership, coaching expertise, and deep understanding of the game,” Barney said. “His vision aligns very closely with the playing style and identity that has been fostered with England Men under Brendon McCullum.”

Flintoff is excited about the opportunity to work with the Lions. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with some of the best up-and-coming talent in the country and to help shape the future of the men’s game,” he said. “The Lions programme has always been a vital stepping stone for players pushing for international success, and I’m honoured to be part of that journey.”

The future of English cricket looks bright with Flintoff at the helm of the Lions. He is a passionate and experienced coach who is committed to developing the next generation of England stars.

Flintoff Joins England Test Squad as Batting Consultant, Trescothick Takes White-Ball Break

Flintoff Joins England Test Squad as Batting Consultant, Trescothick Takes White-Ball Break

Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, will join the Test squad as a batting consultant ahead of the third Test against Sri Lanka at The Oval. Flintoff’s appointment comes as Marcus Trescothick, the current batting coach, takes a short break before assuming the role of interim white-ball head coach for the upcoming series against Australia.

Flintoff has been involved with England’s white-ball setup for the past year, including the T20 World Cup in June. However, he will not be part of Trescothick’s coaching staff for the three T20Is and five ODIs against Australia next month. Flintoff recently gained experience as a head coach with the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred, where his team narrowly missed out on qualification.

Flintoff is expected to join the Test squad on Wednesday for two training days and will assist Brendon McCullum’s staff throughout the third Test. His role is short-term, and he is not expected to be involved in the winter tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.

Trescothick will take a few days off after the second Test at Lord’s before joining the white-ball squad ahead of the first T20I against Australia on September 11. His backroom staff will largely remain the same as Matthew Mott’s, with the addition of England Under-19s coach Michael Yardy.

Trescothick has not yet decided whether he will apply for the white-ball head coach’s role on a permanent basis. He stated, “I’m still very focused on the batting stuff with the Test team. I’m going to let this play out and see what happens for this period of time, and see how much I enjoy doing the head coach’s role and then go from there really.”

Trescothick will work alongside Jos Buttler, his former Somerset teammate, who is expected to continue as captain but may relinquish the wicketkeeping gloves in the T20Is. Trescothick said, “It’s definitely something we’ll think about, because we can try different options, give it a go for a period of time and see what reaction it has on his captaincy and on the team.”

Despite recent setbacks in World Cups, Trescothick believes England’s one-day cricket is in a good place. He added, “Jos is going to lead that forward for a period of time at the moment – and I don’t see it changing.”

Andrew Flintoff Opens Up About Post-Crash Struggles and Return to Cricket

Andrew Flintoff Opens Up About Post-Crash Struggles and Return to Cricket

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has opened up about the lasting impact of his horrific car crash while filming for BBC’s Top Gear in 2022. The incident left him with significant facial injuries that required surgery and led to the suspension of the show’s production. Flintoff also received 9 million pounds in compensation for the ordeal.

In a series titled “Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams on Tour,” Flintoff revealed the post-traumatic experience he has endured, including anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks. He admitted to struggling with asking for help, despite recognizing the need for it.

“I genuinely should not be here after what happened,” Flintoff said. “I don’t want to sit and feel sorry for myself. I don’t want sympathy. I’m struggling with my anxiety, I have nightmares, I have flashbacks – it’s been so hard to cope.”

Despite his struggles, Flintoff is determined to move forward and has returned to cricket as part of England’s coaching staff for the Test tour of India earlier this year. However, he revealed that anxiety made it difficult for him to leave his home for the tour.

Flintoff is now in his first full-time coaching position with Northern Superchargers in The Hundred. He remains committed to overcoming his challenges and using his experience to inspire others.

“I’ve got to look at the positives, I’ve got another chance, and I’m going to go at it,” Flintoff said. “I’m seeing that as how it is – a second go.”

Andrew Flintoff: 'I Should Not Be Here' After Life-Altering Car Crash

Andrew Flintoff: ‘I Should Not Be Here’ After Life-Altering Car Crash

Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, has opened up about the life-altering car crash he experienced in December 2022. In an upcoming episode of the BBC show “Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams,” Flintoff reveals the profound impact the accident has had on his physical and mental well-being.

“I genuinely should not be here, with what happened,” Flintoff says in footage filmed from his hospital bed. “It’s going to be a long road back and I’m only just starting.”

Flintoff underwent multiple facial surgeries after the crash, which occurred while he was filming for the British TV show “Top Gear.” He has kept a low public profile since then, but in the upcoming episode, he speaks candidly about the challenges he has faced.

“I thought I could just shake it off,” Flintoff says. “But it’s been a lot harder than I thought. I’ve got nightmares, I have flashbacks. It’s been so hard to cope with.”

Despite the difficulties, Flintoff is determined to move forward. “I’ve got another chance, I’ve got to go at it,” he says. “I’m seeing that as how it is: a second go.”

Flintoff’s recovery has been gradual, but he has returned to cricket in various coaching roles. He has worked with England’s white-ball teams and is also head coach of Northern Superchargers in the men’s Hundred.

In the upcoming episode of “Field of Dreams,” Flintoff also discusses his coaching ambitions. “I’ve always had an ambition to coach,” he says. “I’d love to do more coaching moving forwards.”

Flintoff’s journey back from the crash is a testament to his resilience and determination. His story highlights the importance of seeking support and finding ways to cope with trauma.

Andrew Flintoff Raring to Go for Superchargers Head Coach Debut

Andrew Flintoff Raring to Go for Superchargers Head Coach Debut

Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder, is eagerly anticipating his debut as head coach of the Northern Superchargers in the Hundred. Flintoff’s assistant coach, Kyle Hogg, who has known him for over two decades, believes that Flintoff will be “at his happiest” when the Superchargers face the Trent Rockets on Friday night.

Hogg, who has worked closely with Flintoff in the past, described him as a natural leader who has always been supportive of his teammates. He believes that Flintoff’s passion for cricket and his desire to succeed will make him a successful coach.

Despite speculation linking Flintoff to the England head coach role, Hogg downplayed those rumors, stating that Flintoff is currently focused on his new role with the Superchargers. He emphasized that Flintoff is enjoying being back in a cricket environment and is eager to make a positive impact on the team.

The Superchargers are facing a shortage of players, with several key players unavailable due to international commitments or injuries. However, Hogg believes that the team has enough depth to compete in the Hundred. He praised the commitment of Matthew Short, the Australian opener who has joined the team early from Major League Cricket.

Short, who has played with Flintoff in the past, expressed his excitement about working with him. He described Flintoff as a modern-day coach who brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the team. Short believes that Flintoff’s leadership will create a positive and enjoyable environment for the players.

Hogg, who spent 14 seasons playing for Lancashire, admitted that it felt strange to be in the home dressing room at Headingley, the home ground of their rivals Yorkshire. However, he emphasized that the Superchargers are determined to make Headingley their fortress.

Flintoff, who played for England and Lancashire, is known for his competitive spirit and his love for the game. Hogg believes that Flintoff will bring the same passion and intensity to his coaching role. He expects Flintoff to be fully invested in the team’s success and to inspire the players to give their all.

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