Andrew Flintoff has been photographed publicly for the first time since the Top Gear crash. Photo: Getty Images/Philip Brown
The picture was of Andrew Flintoff. for the first time since he was involved in a car accident while filming BBC show Top Gear.
Flintoff, 45, suffered serious facial injuries and was airlifted to hospital when he was involved in a major crash. on December 13 last year when he was driving a Morgan Super 3 at 130mph. It was not equipped with airbags.
Flintoff will work with England throughout the one-day international series against New Zealand, which starts in Cardiff on Friday. Nine months later, he has visible scars on his face while wearing the England training kit.
The former England and Lancashire all-rounder will serve as a free consultant for the four-match one-day international series against New Zealand. It is believed that his role at this stage is mainly one of observation and he was seen on the field before the start of the game. There are currently no plans for him to participate during the World Cup in India, which begins on October 5.
«It's just great that he's involved,» England one-day captain Jos Buttler said. welcoming Flintoff's participation. “Obviously he's a legend in England so it's great to have him in the group. He doesn't have a specific role, he just watches a few guys and they can pick his brain a little. It’s great to have him with us.”
Andrew Flintoff has been photographed in public for the first time since the Top Gear crash. Photo: PA/Joe Giddens
Liam Livingstone agreed, saying: “It's incredible to have someone with the same experience. Obviously he was one of my heroes growing up. When someone with his experience sticks around in the dressing room, it's great for all the guys.
“When you see someone like Fred around, it's always nice to chat. Especially while you're hitting the ball: you have three and a half hours to pick the brains of someone who's been there and done that. He's probably a national hero, so everyone loves Fred joining us on this series, and I'm sure he'll love it just as much.
“I think it's great for him. I'm sure he'll enjoy being around the guys. It's a great environment. Everyone loves being in an environment like this and I'm sure he will be no exception. I'm sure he'll be laughing a lot over the next week or so.
“The main thing is we can learn from someone who has been there and done that and was the best in England for eight to 10 years.”
Flintoff is a close friend of ECB Managing Director Rob Key. Photo: PA/Joe Giddens
An accident last year at Dunsfold Airfield in Surrey left his face seriously damaged, raising questions about safety at the show and the future of Top Gear itself. Claire Pisey, editorial director of Top Gear since March 2022, is leaving after seven years on the show.
At the time, BBC Studios released a statement saying they had «sincerely apologized» to Flintoff and would continue to support him in his recovery. Filming for series 34 has been suspended due to a health and safety review.
Flintoff led a brilliant Ashes series in 2005 as England regained the urn after 16 years. In this series against Australia, he made 402 runs at an average of 40.20 and took 24 wickets at an average of 27.29. He was awarded the Compton-Miller Medal as the man of the series, narrowly ahead of Shane Warne, as England won the series 2–1.
During his international career, he played 79 Test matches from 1998 to 2009. was recognized as one of England's most destructive all-rounders, capable of both hitting sixes and reaching 90mph with the ball. He played his last Test against Australia at the Oval in 2009, dismissing Australia captain Ricky Ponting with a direct hit as England won the Ashes again. While England have had limited success in the white-ball game during his career, Flintoff has been an outstanding one-day international, averaging 32.01 with the bat and just 24.38 with the ball.
In the 2014 season /15 Flintoff returned to the game briefly. cricket, playing T20 matches for Lancashire and Brisbane Heat. But after his retirement, he did not pursue coaching, instead focusing on his media career. Flintoff is friends with Rob Key, England's managing director.
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