Flintoff to help coach UAE

Andrew Flintoff will help coach the UAE national team while he recovers from his latest operation in Dubai.

His agent, Andrew "Chubby" Chandler, told The Times the work was part of a deal struck with Dubai Sports City where Flintoff will undertake treatment in the coming months. The arrangement will be informal and he will not have an official role.

"A partnership has been agreed to use their gym and facilities as a base for his rehabilitation," Chandler said. "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. There's been good growth in UAE cricket in the last few years and Andrew felt that he wanted to give something back."

Chandler also revealed Flintoff's children had already started at a local school and the family were on the hunt for permanent accommodation.

Flintoff's decision will come as a boost to the UAE, which is among the leading Associate sides and which will host the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifiers later this year.