FREDDIE Flintoff returned to the cricket field with friends last night — nine months after he cheated death in his horror film Top Gear.
The 45-year-old star, who suffered facial injuries and broken ribs in the 130km/h crash, was pictured helping train the England team in Cardiff for their match against New Zealand.
5
Freddie Flintoff returned to the cricket field with friends earlier tonight after cheating death in his Top Gear horror Credit: Popperfoto – Getty
5
He was seen helping train the England team in Cardiff Credit: Popperfoto – Getty
One-day captain Jos Buttler said: “He’s a legend and it’s great to have him around.”
Freddie narrowly escaped death after driving a three-wheel open-top Morgan Super 3 for the BBC Motor Show last December at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey.
But nine months later, he was seen leading field drills in the warm-up for the one-day clash at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens.
Flintoff, who took 226 wickets for England, wore a catcher’s mitt as he received balls from bowlers Reece Topley and Gus Atkinson.
He was also seen talking to bowling coach David Saker as they left the field.
5
Freddie was later pictured sitting alongside stars Joe Root and Ben Stokes in the players’ balcony during England’s innings Credit: Popperfoto – Getty
Freddie was later filmed sitting alongside stars Joe Root and Ben Stokes in the players’ balcony during England’s innings.
Occasionally, the star wore dark glasses and a hat with the England logo.
It is understood that he is helping the side as an unpaid consultant and is not an official member of the coaching staff.
His move to the full international side is believed to follow a stint with England under-19s.
Skipper Jos Buttler said: “He’s starting to do some things in cricket. He’s an England legend and it’s great to have him in the team.
“He’s not in a specific role, but a couple of guys can pick his brain.”
BBC bosses abandoned all filming of Top Gear after the accident and “sincerely apologised” to the star.
5
He cheated death after surviving a horrific accidentCredit: BBC
5
As a result he suffered severe facial injuriesCredit: PA
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education