Entertainment
Freddie Flintoff to launch new cricket team for BBC Three series
Freddie is returning to his first love for the new series (Picture: James Warren/SOPA Images/REX)
Freddie Flintoff is returning to cricket with a brand new BBC Three series, putting together his own side in a bid to change people’s perspective on the sport.
The presenter and former England international will visit underprivileged parts of his native Lancashire to find 11 teenagers for his side.
The new show, which has the working title Freddie’s First Eleven, is a new three part series for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The 43-year-old will look to find players who have never considered picking up the sport before, challenging the idea that cricket is a game for the posh and the privileged.
Freddie is one of England’s most successful cricketers, having won the Ashes in 2005 and played 79 tests for his country.
He hopes to prove that anyone can find camaraderie, confidence and success playing the sport he grew up loving.
The cricketer retired from the sport in 2009 (Picture: BBC)
Freddie says: ‘I made it to the highest level of cricket attending state schools on an estate in Preston, but I can’t see many others doing that now. The vast majority of the England’s men’s national cricket team attended private school.
‘Cricket is more elitist per head than rugby, rowing and the House of Lords. We’ve got to do something to get young, working-class people playing our national summer sport again.’
He added: ‘I really hope this series can demonstrate that with some time and coaching anyone can learn to love cricket and have the opportunities that came my way.’
Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning, Documentaries, History and Religion, also said: ‘I am delighted to be working with Freddie and South Shore on what promises to be an interesting and unique series.
‘I can’t wait to see what unfolds when one of our greatest sporting heroes, who has a genuine passion and commitment to bring change to youngsters’ lives, takes on this challenge.’
More: Freddie Flintoff
Since retiring from cricket in 2009 Freddie has gone on to present Top Gear and appear in shows such as A League of Their Own.
A release date for Freddie’s First Eleven has yet to be confirmed.
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