Andrew Flintoff has joined up with the England squad for their ODI Series against New Zealand; Captain Jos Buttler said it is "nice to have him" around the group for the series and that he is an England "legend"
Saturday 9 September 2023 18:50, UK
Andrew Flintoff was at Cardiff's Sophia Gardens on Friday as he joined up with the England squad for their one-day international series against New Zealand.
The former England captain, 45, was hospitalised last December after he suffered facial injuries in an accident while shooting for Top Gear at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.
The all-rounder, who played in 79 Tests and 141 one-day matches for England, has kept a low profile since but on Friday he was pictured in England coaching kit on the home balcony.
It is believed to be the first time Flintoff has been photographed in public since suffering his injuries.
Flintoff is a close friend of England managing director Rob Key and is set to be with the squad for the remainder of the series. He is not due to be with the group for the upcoming World Cup in India.
England captain Jos Buttler said it was "great" to have Flintoff around the squad and he had "settled in really well".
Speaking after the hosts' eight-wicket defeat, he said: "He's been starting to do some stuff in cricket. It's just great for him to be around, 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."
England all-rounder Liam Livingstone added of Flintoff: "It's incredible to have him. He's obviously been one of my heroes growing up. To have someone of his experience lingering around the dressing room is great for all the lads.
"When you see someone like Fred around, it's always good to chat. Especially while you're batting: there's three and a half hours to pick the brains of someone who's been there and done it.
"He's probably a national hero, everybody loves that Fred's joining us and I'm sure he'll enjoy it as much himself. Over the next week or so, I'm sure he'll have plenty of laughs inside there."
