Freddie Flintoff impact on England team clear as ex-Top Gear host lands new role
Andrew Flintoff is set to rejoin England's backroom staff for their T20 series against West Indies - but this time as a paid member of staff.
The decision comes after his gradual return to the public eye following a car crash while filming for BBC's Top Gear, which left him with facial and rib injuries. Encouraged by close friend and director of England men's cricket Rob Key, Flintoff first joined the national side in an unpaid role for ODI series against New Zealand and Ireland before the World Cup.
The cricket legend, who gained hero status from his performances in England's 2005 Ashes triumph, has since been confirmed as head coach of the Northern Superchargers men's side in The Hundred. Although he's not part of the England set-up for their ODI series against the Windies, it's understood that he will fly out to Barbados later this week ahead of five T20s.
The 46-year-old, who will be paid for being a team mentor, has most recently been in Abu Dhabi for an England Lions winter training camp. Flintoff admitted that his time working back in the England bubble had reignited his love for the sport.
Speaking after his appointment at the Superchargers, he said: "My time with the England Men’s team has been a reminder of just how special cricket is to me, and I’m relishing the opportunity to be back amongst it, helping to guide the Superchargers team to success on the field while making memories off it and helping to take cricket to more people.
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The legendary all-rounder maintained a low profile during his time with Matthew Mott's white-ball side, but did go viral when he made an emotional speech to assembled players. In footage shared by the ECG, Flintoff was seen opening up about his crash and the response from the cricketing world.
He spoke whilst giving Tom Hartley his maiden England cap, before touching on his own situation. "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," he said.
Freddie Flintoff is set to fly out to the Caribbean to join England's T20 set-up (PA Wire)"Your journey hasn't been like a lot of people's. There was no academies, no systems but to me (that) suggests a steeliness, a determination, a passion which might not be evident on the outside but it's definitely burning inside.
"When you get this cap it 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. And also a part of a family of people.
"They'll share the good times with you, the successes. But as I found over the past few months, they'll be there in the hardest times of your life, they will stand next to you.
Mott, who is under pressure following a dismal World Cup campaign, insisted Flintoff would link back up with his players, saying the squad loved having him around. "He is revered, he's got an aura about him, he's very special," Mott explained in September.
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