Andrew Flintoff returns to Lancashire Cricket Club

Former England all-rounder and Ashes winner Andrew Flintoff returned to Lancashire in the capacity of a board member. Flintoff, who made his debut for Lancashire in 1995 as an 18-year old, never left his club despite becoming one of the best all-rounders England has ever produced.

Life has come full-circle for the 39-year old. In 2014, Flintoff made a brief return to cricket and helped his team secure a position in the finals of the NatWest T20 Blast which they eventually lost to Warwickshire by 4 runs. Lancashire announced a number of new appointments in their hierarchy which included the appointment of former fast bowler Paul Allot as the director of cricket.

A career cut short by injuries

Flintoff played a big part in England’s Ashes-winning campaign in 2005 and 2009 but a recurring knee injury cut short his career at the age of 33. The all-rounder is looking to increase the participation and attendance in the region as part of the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, which will be a different entity to the club. He expressed his delight over the role and confirmed his approval.

“I am hugely honored to have been asked to join the board and even more delighted to accept.”

“I have talked to the chairman about the future and what the club and the new Lancashire Cricket Foundation wish to achieve, and it is a hugely exciting time for the game of cricket in Lancashire, and one that I am proud to be part of and contribute to.”

Flintoff had nearly 4,000 Test runs and 226 wickets in 79 Tests. His batting average of 31.77 and bowling average of 32.78 might not highlight the brilliance of his game. He could run through sides and change the course of the game with the bat on his day.

Allot roped in as director of cricket

Allot had a 14-year long career with Lancashire between 1978 and 1992. He will be responsible for identifying new talents and developing through an elite player pathway in his role as a director.

“It’s a huge honor to be appointed to the role of director of cricket. It is a fantastic time for cricket as a whole, and especially in Lancashire,” Allott said.