SaqMarcus Trescothick has admitted his surprise at how his former England team-mate Andrew Flintoff has adapted to coaching.
After a car crash while filming Top Gear left him with serious injuries, former England captain Flintoff returned to cricket last year and has taken on various behind-the-scenes roles.
He began working with England’s white-ball teams last summer and was part of their coaching staff at the T20 World Cup in June, while he was most recently head coach of the Northern Superchargers at The Hundred.
Following the announcement at the weekend that Flintoff would take over as England Lions manager for next year, Trescothick said: “I think it’s a great decision to get him involved as much as possible.”
When Trescothick took a break from his Test assistant duties last week to prepare to become England’s stand-in head coach for the T20 and ODI series against Australia, Flintoff replaced him.
Ahead of England’s third Test against Sri Lanka at the Kia Oval, Flintoff moved debutant Josh Hull’s mother to tears with an emotional speech at the traditional cap presentation ceremony.
Trescothick, who alongside Flintoff helped England to a decisive Ashes series win in 2005, said: “The way he spoke to the group was superb when he was involved and I was there.
“He has very good leadership qualities because of what he does and the presenting role he does (outside of cricket). It’s really benefited him to be able to lead the group.
“I can’t believe how well he spoke to those players. He was superb and I’m really pleased for him.”
Flintoff has been left out of England’s white-ball squad amid a reduced training structure ahead of three T20s and five ODIs against Australia. The first T20 will be at the Utilita Bowl on Wednesday.
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