Freddie Flintoff trains with England stars in new role as 'secret' visit emerges
Andrew Flintoff was spotted training with England's white-ball side on Tuesday - as his recovery from a horrific car crash continues.
Flintoff, who is affectionally known as Freddie, suffered broken ribs and facial injuries after crashing while filming a segment for Top Gear last December. He made his first public appearance since the crash at England's game against New Zealand in Cardiff on Friday.
The 45-year-old still has visible cuts and scars on his face, such was the severity of the crash. The legendary cricketer has put his successful media career on hold and is working with England again during their one-day international series with New Zealand.
Flintoff was given the chance to re-enter the world of cricket by his good friend and former team-mate Rob Key, who is the managing director of the England team. It's been revealed that Flintoff attended this summer's Ashes series as a guest of Key.
Flintoff's facial injuries are still visible (PA)Flintoff was pictured training England's white-ball captain Jos Buttler and experienced star Jonny Bairstow during Tuesday's training session. The two-time Ashes winner hurled balls at the batters in the nets using a launcher, similar to those used by dog walkers.
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Flintoff is working with the England team in a non-formal capacity and was given the opportunity by Key. The players are very supportive of his return to cricket and the public sphere, with Buttler insisting it was "great" to have the popular star around the squad.
Tuesday's images have emerged after Piers Morgan revealed Flintoff had attended the Ashes incognito. The TalkTV presenter has been told that Flintoff watched the action unfold from one of the back offices on the TV, with just a few people invited to say hello.
The England legend has returned to cricket (PA)Is Andrew Flintoff England's greatest ever cricketer? Let us know in the comments below!
"He’s still got a lot of scarring on his face and signs of injury nine months after the crash," Morgan told talkSPORT. "I know he’s had a lot of mental health issues because of it, as you would expect because it was a horrendous crash that nearly killed him.
"Freddie is gingerly putting himself back into the game and it’s brilliant to see him laughing and joking and interacting with the public again. I think he needs that."
Morgan, who is good friends with Flintoff, says he was "really worried" about him because of the severity of the crash. He claimed the former England captain was "lucky to survive".
Flintoff trained with England skipper Jos Buttler (PA)Morgan added: "I’m so chuffed for him and actually got a message from him yesterday. He’s not really been interacting with anybody as he’s been trying to get himself back on track. Now he’s in a better place and I’m really pleased about that."
Several people within cricket have expressed their delight at Flintoff's comeback. Buttler said: "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."
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