Soccer

Flintoff looks more like his old self a year after Top Gear crash

Freddie Flintoff looks more like his old self a year to the day since his near-fatal Top Gear crash, as the England legend presents Adil Rashid with his 100th T20I cap in the West Indies

  • Freddie Flintoff was recently appointed Northern Superchargers head coach 
  • Flintoff’s Top Gear crash took place  last year at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome 
  • England lost to West Indies in the first T20I with Adil Rashid taking two wickets 

Freddie Flintoff has been continuing his coaching role with England’s white ball sides for their tour of the West Indies following his horror Top Gear car crash, which took place a year ago today. 

The former England all-rounder re-emerged in an unofficial mentoring role with the England team in the summer, seen for the first time since his accident as he gradually moves back into the sport. 

Flintoff was involved in a near-fatal accident on December 13 2022 at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome that left him with serious injuries. 

Yet the 2005 Ashes hero has already taken further steps on his return to the game, taking on the role of head coach of the Northern Supercharges in the Hundred. 

On Tuesday night, however, he was in Barbados helping out England on their tour of the West Indies, and was given the task of presenting England legend Adil Rashid with his 100th T20I cap, adding to his 134 ODIs. 

Freddie Flintoff presented Adil Rashid with his 100th T20I cap in the first game with West Indies

Flintoff has been in a mentoring role with the England side since the summer series with New Zealand

Flintoff impressed while working with the England men’s senior side earlier this year

England lost the first T20I by four wickets, with Rashid taking two wickets for 25 runs in the match. 

The former all star all-rounder suffered a serious crash in December 2022 while filming for BBC’s Top Gear. 

He was left with several broken ribs and severe facial injuries that have left scars on his face, but judging by the most recent pictures, have healed extremely well. 

Following the incident Flintoff had to wait 45 minutes for an air ambulance, with the BBC later apologising to him.

Flintoff, though, has been quick to point out just how ‘special’ cricket has been to him as he looks to get back into the game that saw him achieve so much.  

‘My time with the England men’s team has been a reminder of just how special cricket is to me,’ he said on being named Superchargers coach. 

‘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 take cricket to more people.

‘The Superchargers have a great fan base who I cannot wait to meet and bring along with us this season. I’m looking forward to making Headingley my new home.’

The former all-rounder was part of the Top Gear presenting team at the time of his crash last year

England lost the first T20I against West Indies but Rashid took two wickets for 25 runs 

The television presenter, 45, was driving an open-topped three-wheel 130mph Morgan Super 3 car for Top Gear in December when the vehicle flipped

The former all-rounder played a crucial role in England’s 2005 Ashes winning series 

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