Freelancer Flintoff to coach UAE

London:

Freelance England allrounder Andrew Flintoff will coach the United Arab Emirates national team while he recovers in Dubai from a knee surgery, his agent told a newspaper here.

Andrew Chandler told 'The Times' that Flintoff, who has quit Test cricket and recently rejected an incremental contract from the England and Wales Cricket Board, has chosen Dubai for his rehabilitation from a knee surgery.

Flintoff has struck a deal with the Dubai Sports City authorities and would work as the unofficial coach, Chandler said.

A partnership has been agreed with Dubai Sports City to use their gym and facilities as a base for his rehabilitation.

I believe he will be one of the first people to use them.

"In return he will be carrying out some coaching for the UAE national team over the next six months," Chandler said.

Flintoff is already in Dubai, looking for land for his cricket academy.

"There has been good growth in UAE cricket in the last few years and Andrew felt that he wanted to give something back. His partnership with Sports City will also help raise the profile of his Dubai academy," Chandler said.

"His children have already started at a local school. He has rented a temporary apartment near the Marina but will be looking for something more permanent over the next few weeks," he added.

Chandler, however, asserted that even though the all-rounder has turned down the ECB contract, he would be available to play ODIs whenever England need him.

"He has turned down an England contract but this won't make much difference as he has said he will make himself available for one-day games," Chandler said.

"He is aiming to play a role in the one-day leg of the Bangladesh tour. He remains committed to Lancashire and in addition to the IPL he has been offered contracts for T20 tournaments elsewhere in the world," he added.