BRAVE Freddie Flintoff is beaming as he plays cricket today after it emerged he watched the Ashes “incognito” in the back office.
The former cricketer has rarely been seen in public since he narrowly escaped death in a 130km/h impact while filming Top Gear.
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Freddie Flintoff pictured at The Oval today after his Top Gear smash Credit: PA
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He took part in net training at the infamous cricket groundCredit: PA
But brave Freddie was pictured for the first time since the horror last week as he helped train the England squad in Cardiff ahead of their game against New Zealand.
The sportsman appeared to be in good spirits as he joked with the team, but there was still evidence of his gruesome injuries beneath his England cricket bucket hat.
Freddie was filmed today at the Kia Oval in London taking part in networking sessions.
His trademark smile while helping Jofri Archer take bowling practice is a far cry from Freddie’s summer, as he shielded himself from the public eye.
TalkTV presenter Piers Morgan has told how the cricketer secretly watched England’s performance during The Ashes in Australia.
Speaking on talkSport, he added: “I heard from various people throughout the Ashes series that he was appearing as a guest of Rob Key, who now runs England cricket and is one of his good friends, but they were very incognito and looking at it in the back offices on to the TV.
“Very few people went to him.
“I was encouraged but he still has a lot of scarring on his face and signs of injury nine months after the accident.
“I know he’s had a lot of mental health issues as a result, as you would expect because it was a terrible accident that nearly killed him.”
It comes amid BBC fears that his accident could spell the end of Top Gear, which is one of the broadcaster’s biggest money makers.
The show has been on hiatus since Freddie’s accident, with no confirmation as to whether the host will return.
Freddie suffered horrific jaw injuries and broken ribs in a near-fatal crash in December.
He was airlifted to hospital after the topless three-wheeler he was driving overturned and skidded on the track.
Piers revealed he believes his friend is in a “better place” now, nine months after the break-up, as he slowly eases back into public life.
The Sun columnist added: “Freddie is cautiously getting back into the game and it’s great to see him laughing and joking and interacting with the public again. I think he needs it.
“I have known him for a long time.
“He’s a good friend of mine and we were very worried for him because the reports of how bad the accident was said it was real life and death and he was lucky to survive.
“I’m so thrilled for him and I actually got a text from him yesterday.
“He didn’t really communicate with anyone while he was trying to get back on track.
“He’s in a better place now and I’m really happy about that.”
Freddie will now return to screens this winter with the second season of his cricket series Field Of Dreams.
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Today’s appearance is Freddie’s second in less than a week Credits: PA
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He was also filmed last week as his injuries were first seen
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It comes amid fears the crash could mean the end of Top Gear
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Freddie has not confirmed whether he will return to the show
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Source: HIS Education