Stuart Broad thinks Andrew Flintoff will become England coach in the future, while also revealing players he’s ‘spoken to’ have nothing but positive things to say about the 46-year-old.
Flintoff has been working with England players over the past few months, having returned to the cricket scene following his horror crash while filming for Top Gear back in 2022.
He has become increasingly involved with England’s white-ball set-up and was recently part of the coaching staff for the T20 World Cup.
With Matthew Mott under pressure, some believe Flintoff is being groomed to take his place.
Andrew Flintoff has returned to cricket following his horrendous Top Gear crash back in 2022
PA
And Broad, speaking to PA, also thinks that’s the case.
Flintoff is set to take charge of the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred in the next few weeks.
Broad, who played alongside the all-rounder for England during his own cricket days, believes the stars are beginning to align as a result.
“The players I’ve spoken to, when Freddie (Flintoff) has been involved in the coaching stuff, have loved him,” he said.
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“He’s at that great age where the players he’s now coaching, he was probably their hero.
“For him to go into a changing room and hear him speak about the style he wants them to play is really exciting.
“We know he’s got a brilliant cricket brain, we know he’s a cricket fan and has a lot of energy for it.
“The way the cricket family has got around Fred after what happened has been incredible and shows the strength of the wonderful game we play.
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“It shows the best side of our sport that can get around one of its stars and bring him back closer to the game he loves.
“Ultimately he has ended up as one of the coaches of The Hundred franchises, I’m sure with half an eye on building him towards being an international coach in the future.
“Having someone like a Freddie Flintoff involved in the game is only going to inspire the next generation.”
After England’s Test series with the West Indies is over, Ben Stokes will play under Flintoff.
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Andrew Flintoff has been coaching England players over the past year
PA
The prospect of a current England great being coached by a former one is certainly exciting.
And Broad has admitted he wishes the pair could play together, though thinks both men will enjoy each other’s company.
“It’s great that Stokesy will be matching up with Freddie Flintoff,” he said.
Andrew Flintoff and Stuart Broad played together for England during their own playing days
PA
“It’s almost the iconic duo to see walking out, unfortunately they’re not walking out to play together.
“Those two minds working together to win games looks quite exciting and brings a bit of intrigue.”
Flintoff won two Ashes series with England during his playing days, with the Three Lions beating Australia in 2005 and 2009.