Andrew Flintoff has decided to step down as the head coach of England Lions with immediate effect before his winter spell working in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). But the England and Wales Cricket Board announced on Friday evening that Flintoff has left the role. He is said to have decided the BBL job – plus TV work and family commitments – means he cannot commit fully to the Lions. In an ECB statement, Flintoff said: “Unfortunately I’ve made the decision to step away from my role with the Lions. “I thought it was disrespectful for people to say that he shouldn’t have been doing it.