Moeen Ali is actively learning from Andrew Flintoff as he sets his sights on one day becoming the head coach of the England cricket team. Flintoff, the celebrated 2005 Ashes hero and former England captain, is currently leading the second-string England Lions on their white-ball tour against the Pakistan Shaheens in Abu Dhabi.
Informal Coaching Role with England Lions
Moeen Ali has taken on an informal coaching role with the England Lions this week, joining a backroom staff that also includes Ben Stokes. This arrangement allows him to observe Flintoff's methods up close, having previously worked together when Flintoff served as a consultant for England's white-ball squads while Moeen was still playing.
Learning from Flintoff's Approach
"It's just the way he goes about things," Moeen explained to the Press Association. "We're quite different personalities; we're similar, but we're different in terms of the way we speak and when to say things." He highlighted Flintoff's unique aura, noting that the former all-rounder maintains a steady demeanor without getting overly emotional, which helps motivate players and boost their confidence.
Moeen emphasized that his previous coaching experience has been more technically focused, so he is keen to develop the mental and motivational aspects of coaching under Flintoff's guidance. "I want to ask him a few questions," Moeen added. "Freddie has this aura about him. As a player and even as a coach, he doesn't get down, he understands emotions and players."
Transitioning from Playing to Coaching
Now transitioning away from his playing career, Moeen is studying for his ECB Level Three coaching qualification. He recently reversed his retirement decision to join Yorkshire for this year's Vitality Blast, but his long-term ambition is clear: to coach at the international level. Reflecting on his distinguished playing career, which included winning both white-ball World Cups with England, Moeen stated, "Definitely the goal is to be a head coach of an international cricket team. One day, being England head coach would be amazing."
Working with Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes is also part of the Lions setup in the United Arab Emirates, where he is rehabilitating from an adductor injury sustained during the Ashes, followed by surgery for a broken cheekbone after a coaching incident in Durham. Moeen expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Stokes, saying, "I'm really looking forward to working with Ben. I played a lot with Ben and spent a lot of time with him. I think he'll be a terrific coach in the future."
Future Plans and Media Role
After his coaching stint with the Lions, Moeen will travel to Sri Lanka to join Sky Sports' coverage of the ongoing T20 World Cup. He will work alongside former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain, a role he described as "absolutely buzzing." The 38-year-old added, "That's always something I wanted to do. I grew up watching Sky Sports as a young kid, always followed cricket and played when Nasser and Athers were commentating. To be part of that crew for the World Cup, honestly it's amazing."
Sky Sports is broadcasting all matches of the ICC men's T20 World Cup live from February 7 through to the final on March 8, available also on NOW.
