Andrew Flintoff makes first public appearance since Top Gear crash, seen with severe facial injuries | Cricket News

Former England captain Andrew Flintoff has made his first public appearance since he suffered a horror crash that almost killed him nine months ago, during the first ODI between England and New Zealand in Cardiff.
Andrew Flintoff was hospitalized in December after he suffered facial injuries in an accident while shooting for TV program “Top Gear” and has kept a low profile since. He was airlifted to hospital after crashing a car at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, when he broke ribs and suffered facial and jaw injuries.
Flintoff has been involved in a high-speed accident since he began as one of the show’s co-presenters in 2019. In 2019 he lost control of a motorised trike, the Time Bandit, when racing at 124mph against co-hosts Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness.
Flintoff’s facial injuries were still visible as he sat next to Ben Stokes and Joe Root on the balcony.
The 45-year-old was seen pictured in England coaching kit on the home balcony. Andrew Flintoff made his return to England cricket after joining the coaching staff as a mentor.
According to the PA news agency, Flintoff, a close friend of England managing director Rob Key is set to be with the squad for the remainder of the four-match series, and his role is unpaid.
England captain Jos Buttler said it was “great” to have Flintoff around the squad and he had “settled in really well”.
“So he’s been starting to do some stuff in cricket,” said Buttler after England’s eight-wicket loss.
“It’s just great for him to be around, he’s obviously an England legend and it’s just nice to have him around the group.
“He’s not been brought in with any specific role, just to be around and observe.Most Read
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“A few of the lads can pick his brains a little bit and he’s settled in really well. It’s great to have him with us. Just for this series.”
Flintoff retired from cricket in 2009 having played 79 Tests, 141 one-day internationals and seven T20s for England.
He played a key role in England’s Ashes successes of 2005 and 2009, and was captain between 2006 and 2007.