Flintoff to rejoin England set-up as recovery from Top Gear crash continues

18 October 2023 , 23:00

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Freddie Flintoff's return to cricket is set to continue next month (Image: PA)

Freddie Flintoff is set to join up with the England Lions coaching staff on their training camp in the United Arab Emirates next month, as he continues to recover from his horror crash.

The 45-year-old suffered nasty injuries while filming for Top Gear at the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey back in December 2022. Flintoff was driving at 130mph in a Morgan Super 3 when it flipped over and the ex-Lancashire all-rounder was then airlifted to hospital.

He ended up suffering facial injuries and broken ribs following the crash and was not seen in public until September, after working with the England men's cricket team during their One-Day International series against New Zealand. There was visible scars on his face and he appeared to be wearing tape on his nose.

Now, according to The Telegraph, Flintoff will continue his return to cricket as he is set to join up with the England Lions coaching staff ahead of their camp in the Middle East, which runs from November 16 to December 7. The England and Wales Cricket Board named their squad for the tour on Tuesday, with as many as eight spinners chosen, including Leicestershire's Rehan Ahmed.

They added that "the coaching and mentoring group accompanying the party will be announced in due course". But it is understood that Flintoff is set to join up with the coaching staff on the trip. The Lions' coaching staff is usually made up of ECB staff, county coaches and ex-England players.

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After the England Lions squad was announced, men's performance director Mo Bobat said: "At the end of an enjoyable season and after close dialogue with players and counties, it's exciting to confirm our group that will travel to Abu Dhabi for a training camp later this year.

Freddie Flintoff is set to team up with the England Lions coaching staff (PA)

"The camp will provide an excellent opportunity for the players to develop their red ball game and allow us to learn more about them as people and players. In selecting the group, we've carefully considered England's short and long-term needs in Test cricket, particularly with sub-continent challenges in mind. It's quite a large group and it's great that we can support player development in this way for what should be a fun camp."

Although Flintoff has been keeping out of the spotlight since the crash, he has made an exceptional effort to mentor the England cricket team. Ahead of the One Day International against Ireland, he presented cricketer Tom Hartley with his first England cap. In an emotional social media video, Flintoff praised the team.

He added: "It gives me so much pleasure to share what's going to be a day Tom that you're going to remember for the rest of your life. When you get this cap, this changes your life. It's one of those things, it's before and after it. This enables you to walk tall and move faster. Play with passion, play with pride, play with belief. "

He continued: "And also part of a family of people. They'll share the good times with you, share the successes. But as I found over the past few months, they'll be there for you in the hardest times of your life. They will stand next to you. So, like the lion on the cap Tom, be brave, be, fearless, be proud and enjoy every minute."

Kieran King