Freddie Flintoff 'living the dream' again in powerful message on cricket return
Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff told his England colleagues "we're living the dream" as his cricketing comeback continues to gather pace.
Flintoff, 46, is one of England's greatest ever cricketers, having inspired his country to victory in the 2005 and 2009 Ashes. Yet he parked his sporting career to enjoy a successful spell as a TV presenter - hosting the likes of A League of Their Own and Top Gear.
The ex-allrounder suffered facial injuries after being involved in a serious car crash while filming Top Gear last December. He was seen in public for the first time since the crash in September when he started coaching England's white-ball team on a casual basis.
Flintoff wasn't involved in England's recent World Cup campaign but was named as the new head coach of the men's Northern Superchargers team for The Hundred in November. He's now returned to the England white-ball team for their tour of the West Indies.
Flintoff was asked to make a speech and present Adil Rashid, the two-time World Cup-winning leg-spinner, with a commemorate cap to mark his 100th T20 appearance for England. It was made before the team's defeat to the West Indies in Barbados on Tuesday.
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Rob Key, who is England's managing director, is Flintoff's close friend and has played a role in the legend's return to cricket. England's white-ball head coach Matthew Mott and captain Jos Buttler have welcomed Flintoff's involvement since September.
Flintoff retired from England duty in 2009, the same year Rashid as made his debut. Flintoff said: "This is a milestone which I'm thrilled to give, seeing as that Rash... you were the last player that I toured with (who is still involved). I remember you coming into the side as this young lad - full of mystery, full of wonder, full of mischief, and loads and loads of ability.
"Over the years I think everyone in this group - myself (included) - anybody who has played with you, has been so proud of how you've gone about your business. (You're a) multiple World Cup winner, the best in the business at what you do around the world.
Flintoff presented Adil Rashid with a his 100th T20I cap (Getty Images)Are you glad to see Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff back in cricket? Let us know in the comments below!
"But more importantly Rash, you as a person. You're one of them cricketers. You look around this group, you look at how much you mean to all these guys. You're such an integral part of this squad.
"And the other thing is you give back. Whether it's in Bradford with your academies. You know, the other day - yesterday - I saw you spending all this time with a leg-spinner, a young kid coaching him. And to me that is just as important as everything else you do.
"To me, you epitomise everything that England Cricket is about. It's been a privilege for me to tour with you, it's a privilege for me to give you this cap.
"But tonight boys, we're in Barbados. It's a full house. We're living the dream! Let's live the dream with Rash tonight. I'm so excited, and I'm sure everybody else is. So Rash, come and get this cap - 100 but you've not stopped yet. There's plenty more in you. Well done son."
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