15 September 2023 , 09:16
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Andrew Flintoff has "mellowed" since his Top Gear accident as he continues to "rebuild bridges" from his past.
The cricket legend is back working with the England squad as they prepare for this year's World Cup in India, months after being involved in a high speed crash whilst filming Top Gear, which has left him with serious facial injuries.
Flintoff's wounds are clearly visible after he flipped an open topped three-wheel Morgan Super 3, capable of speeds up to 130 mph, in icy conditions. The man who inspired England to Ashes victory in 2005 has appeared publicly for the first time since that crash recently with a former colleague commenting on how its changed him.
One of his former captains told the Daily Mail: "Freddie is complicated. He is also self-conscious and can be sensitive. It would have taken a lot for him to come back out in public this week but there is no doubt he looked comfortable and relaxed again. And I think he’s mellowed. He has re-built bridges with a lot of the people he fell out with."
Flintoff has previously had a frosty relationship with the English cricket press and pursued new avenues after retiring. He was a regular on A League of Their Own, he challenged himself in the boxing ring and became a presenter on Top Gear, although he's since walked away from following his crash.
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Following his incident at the Surrey Aerodrome it is understood that legal action from Flintoff against the BBC for negligence is still very much a possibility. A source close to Flintoff said: "The problem with Freddie is, if you go fast he wants to go faster. If you are daring he wants to be more daring. You can’t stop the ferocious competitor coming out."
Andrew Flintoff is back in the cricket circle after his Top Gear accident (PA)
Several positive observations have been made about the legendary figure (John Walton/PA)Rob Key, previously a Sky Sports commentator and now playing a vital role with England cricket, has got Flintoff back involved with the sport and he's looked at ease in and around the group during their one-day series with New Zealand, aiding the fast bowlers and getting heavily involved in warm-ups.
A source close to the England dressing room has said: "He has so much to offer and it was a no-brainer to get him involved. These players grew up watching him. He has had his ups and downs in the game but he relates to everyone and that’s important in coaching.
"Everyone has enjoyed having him around. He’s fantastic value. The players have been asking him about everything. From running out Ricky Ponting at the Oval, to playing for England in the 90s, to recovering from injury and even playing in the IPL."