Famous TV personality Freddie Flintoff made a triumphant return to the cricket pitch last night, just nine months after miraculously surviving a horrific crash while filming for Top Gear. The 45-year-old star, who sustained facial injuries and broken ribs in the 130mph accident, was seen coaching the England team in their match against New Zealand in Cardiff.
Coaching Comeback
Freddie Flintoff was back with pals on the cricket pitch earlier tonight after cheating death in his Top Gear horror smash. He was seen helping to coach the England team in Cardiff. One-day captain Jos Buttler said: "He’s a legend and it’s great to have him around."
Flintoff had a close brush with death after driving an open-topped three-wheel Morgan Super 3 for the BBC motor show last December. However, nine months later, he was back on the field, leading fielding drills and giving advice to the players during the warm-up for a one-day showdown at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens.
During the practice session, Flintoff, who has an impressive record of 226 wickets for England, wore a catching mitt as he received balls from bowlers Reece Topley and Gus Atkinson. He was also spotted chatting with bowling coach David Saker as they strolled off the field.
Joining the Ranks
Freddie was later photographed sitting alongside stars Joe Root and Ben Stokes on the players’ balcony during England’s innings. At times, he was seen wearing dark glasses and an England-branded bucket hat. It is believed that he is currently helping out the team as an unpaid consultant, rather than being an official member of the coaching lineup.
According to sources, Flintoff's transition to the full international side is expected to happen after spending some time with England’s Under-19s. Skipper Jos Buttler commented, "He’s starting to do a bit of stuff in cricket. He’s an England legend and it’s great to have him around the squad. He’s not in any specific role, but a few of the lads can pick his brain."
Near-Death Experience
After the terrifying crash that could have claimed his life, BBC producers halted all filming of Top Gear and issued a "sincere apology" to Freddie Flintoff. However, it seems that the resilient star has bounced back and is now back on the cricket pitch, doing what he loves best.
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