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Andrew Flintoff Discusses Mental Health Following Car Crash
Andrew Flintoff has opened up about his mental health struggles in the aftermath of a life-altering car accident during the filming of Top Gear in 2022. This recent disclosure highlights the challenges faced after the incident and his journey toward recovery.
Initial Reluctance and Anxiety
In a recent interview with Mike Atherton, former England captain and cricket correspondent for The Times, Flintoff revealed his initial hesitation about returning to public life after sustaining significant facial injuries in the crash. The 47-year-old former England all-rounder described how anxiety made it difficult for him to leave his home.
Difficulties Returning to Public Life
Flintoff recounted the challenges he faced on his first morning as an England coach in 2023.
- “That day in Cardiff, it took me 10 goes to leave my [hotel] bedroom. I couldn’t get out of the room. I was so anxious and worried. I eventually went down to breakfast; sat down and chatted with Reece Topley and then Jos [Buttler].”
- He also expressed feeling intimidated by encountering Ben Stokes in a hotel lift in Wales: “I had to go back to my room to get my baseball mitt and ‘flicker’ and I was waiting for the lift again and heard footsteps. I knew it would be Stokesy. I didn’t really know him then. I’ve built a great relationship with him since, but I was anxious about that, standing in the lift with him. We were both stood there. He’s ‘Stokesy’ and I am supposed to be like that, I suppose, but I didn’t feel like that.”
Supportive Environment
Flintoff appreciated the supportive environment he found upon his return. “In the dressing room, Joe Root came over, one of the best men you’ll ever meet, and everyone made me feel so welcome. Slowly but surely I started to find my feet. And sitting on the balcony and being pictured. Even the press were nice about me. It’s amazing what an accident can do.”
Return to Cricket
Flintoff, who retired from professional cricket in 2010 at the age of 32 after an impressive career playing in 79 Tests between 1998 and 2009, initially stepped away from the sport to pursue a television career. He credited Rob Key, England’s director of cricket and an old friend, with encouraging his return to the England setup in 2023.
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Coaching Roles
After initially being invited to assist with the England Under-19s team, Flintoff was later appointed as the head coach for England Lions in September 2024, marking a significant step in his renewed involvement with cricket.