Freddie Flintoff is to mentor a group of underprivileged teens as part of a new series called Freddie's First Eleven.
The show will follow the England cricketing legend as he attempts to teach the 11 youngsters - all from his native Lancashire - how to play the game and foster a team spirit.
"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," he said.
"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.
"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."
The three-part series is expected to air on BBC One later this year.
Neil Wilkes
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