09 September 2023 , 21:54
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Andrew Flintoff is already having an "incredible" effect on England's pre-ODI World Cup camp, having unofficially joined the coaching staff.
Flintoff, 45, returned to the public eye on Friday for the first time since being hospitalised with facial injuries and broken ribs suffered in a crash while filming a new series of Top Gear last December, with the shoot now suspended pending a health and safety review into the incident. Working in an unpaid capacity, the 2005 Ashes hero will be part of England's backroom team for their ODIs against New Zealand this month.
Keen to follow in his footsteps and become an all-rounder capable of national treasure status, Liam Livingstone is loving being back in Flintoff's presence. The pair played together in two T20s for Lancashire's Second team during 'Freddie's' short-lived comeback in 2014 after retiring five years previously, and Livingstone is desperate to soak up more of his wealth of experience.
"It's incredible to have him," the Lancashire star beamed. "He's obviously been one of my heroes growing up. To have someone of his experience lingering around the dressing room is great for all the lads.
"When you see someone like Fred around, it's always good to chat. Especially while you’re batting: there's three and a half hours to pick the brains of someone who’s been there and done it.
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"He's probably a national hero, everybody loves that Fred's joining us and I’m sure he’ll enjoy it as much himself. Over the next week or so, I'm sure he'll have plenty of laughs inside there."
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Andrew Flintoff remains patched up (Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)Flintoff isn't expected to continue with England beyond the ODIs clashes with New Zealand, the first of which England lost by eight wickets as they prepare to defend their World Cup crown. Ahead of the match, the 45-year-old was seen with visible scars on his face and tape on his nose while leading fielding drills with England's players in Cardiff.
Captain Jos Buttler said it was "great" to have Flintoff around, adding: "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. 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."
After being involved in a crash on December 13, Flintoff received medical care at the scene before being taken to hospital for further treatment. In March, the BBC made an apology to Flintoff and said that it'd continue to support him during his recovery.