Andrew Flintoff's first comments say the last few months have been the 'most difficult time' since the Top Gear crash

Andrew Flintoff was seriously injured in a car accident while filming Top Gear last December Photo: Tim Good/PA

Andrew Flintoff said Latest He's had a few months of «the hardest time» of his life, as he put it in his first public comments since he was seriously injured in a car accident while filming Top Gear last December.

While working assistant coach for England, Flintoff presented Tom Hartley with his cap ahead of the spinner's debut against Ireland last month. A video of the presentation was published by England & Welsh Cricket Board

“When you get this cap, it will change your life,” Flintoff tells Hartley in the clip. “It's one of those before-and-after things.

“It allows you to walk high and move faster. Play with passion, play with pride, play with faith. And also (to be) part of a family of people.

“They will share good times, successes with you. But as I've learned over the past few months, they will be there for you during the hardest times of your life.

“So, like the lion on Tom's cap, be brave, be fearless, be proud and enjoy every minute. It gives me great pleasure to give Tom Hartley cap number 272.”

"Like a lion on a cap. 🧢
Be bold, be fearless, be proud.” 🦁
Amazing words from @flintoff11 ❤️
Congratulations @tomhartley100 👏 pic.twitter.com/6ewJJwCfYA

— English Cricket (@englandcricket) October 4, 2023

Flintoff then slapped the player on the arm and presented Hartley, who represents Lancashire — England's former county all-rounder — with his cap.

Flintoff, who was originally the player of the series when England regained the Ashes in 2005. started assisting the team in the one-day international series against New Zealand last month. His involvement was later extended and he featured in three ODI matches against Ireland.

Head coach Matthew Mott recently welcomed Flintoff's involvement. Although Flintoff will not be traveling to the World Cup, Mott has confirmed he will be involved in the preparations again.

“He will definitely join us again in the future,” Mott said after the series with Ireland. . “We liked having him around. He's revered, he's got an aura, he's special.

“And what he's been through lately, the humility he's shown and the life experience he can share has been tremendous. Even seasoned Test veterans grew up idolizing him and seeing him offer so much in the flesh was special. He wants to go the U-19 route, which is an incredible asset and he loves it.”