Andrew Flintoff named Sydney Thunder head coach ahead of next Big Bash League season

Published - 02 Jun 2026, 01:49 PM

Andrew Flintoff returns to BBL after 11 years

Sydney Thunder have made a blockbuster move ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) 2026-27 season by appointing legendary England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff as their new head coach. Flintoff has replaced Trevor Bayliss as the Thunder head coach.

Sydney Thunder appoints Andrew Flintoff as their new head coach

Interestingly, Flintoff was already part of the BBL. Actually, the former England all-rounder played for Brisbane Heat during the 2014-15 season, but this time he returns to the Australian league in a different role. Flintoff signed a two-year deal with the Sydney Thunder as the head coach.

Sydney Thunder desperately needed a fresh start after a forgettable BBL 2025-26 season. The team managed to win only two matches and finished at the bottom of the points table. It was the second time in the last three seasons that the franchise ended up last on the table.

Legendary England allrounder @flintoff11 has been unveiled as the Sydney Thunder's new head coach ⚡

Full details on the Big Bash App 📲 pic.twitter.com/S8poDJKV2A
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) June 2, 2026