Former England Skipper Andrew Flintoff have made his appearance at Cardiff’s Sophie Gardens on Friday for first time after top gear accident last year.
Andrew Flintoff’s first appearance after top gear accident
The 45-year-old Andrew Flintoff was seen in the first match of the ODI series in New Zealand tour of England where New Zealand won by 8 wickets. He met with an accident while driving an open-topped three-wheel Morgan Super 3 at 130mph on December 13. He had sustained several facial and jaw injuries and also fractures in ribs. He was then airlifted to hospital.
He was seen in the England’s backroom staff with scars in chin and nose wearing tapes on it. He arrived to Cardiff and involved in fielding drills during England’s defeat against New Zealand.
The first ODI match of the series opened with New Zealand choosing to bowl first. Harry Brook and Malan opened for England while Tim Southee opened bowling attack. Harry Brook scored 25 runs on 41 deliveries and Mala scored 54 runs on 53 deliveries and was sent out by Rachin Ravindra. With Root’s dismissal with 6 runs by Rachin Ravindra, Ben Stokes scored 52 runs on 69 deliveries. Jos Buttler had an impressive knock scoring 72 runs on 68 deliveries and was sent out with Tim Southee.
Livingstone had scored 52 runs on 40 deliveries including 3 boundaries and 3 sixes and was sent out by Tim Southee. By the end of 50 overs, England had scored 291 runs on 6 wickets.
With the target of 292, Devon Conway and Will Young opened for New Zealand while Chris Woakes opened bowling attack. Devon Conway had a unbeaten score of 111 runs on 121 deliveries. Will Young had scored 29 runs and was sent out by Adil Rashid. With Henry Nicholls dismissal with 26 runs by Willey, Daryl had scored 118 runs on 91 deliveries. By the end of 46th over, New Zealand scored 297 runs losing 2 wickets.
“He’s obviously an England legend and it’s just nice to have him around the group,” said Buttler on the presence of Andrew Flintoff. “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. Just for this series.” he said.
He will be not seen with the team after the fourth ODI match against New Zealand and will not be travelling to India for the upcoming World Cup. He only have less involvement in cricket after his retirement and worked as a broadcaster and commentator.
Flintoff retired from cricket in 2009 having played 79 Tests, 141 one-day internationals and seven T20s for England.
He played a key role in England’s Ashes series during the years 2005 and 2009, and was leading the side between 2006 and 2007. Flintoff moved into TV commentator and joined Top Gear as a host in 2019 along Paddy MCGuinness and Chris Harris.
England and New Zealand will be playing their second ODI match on September 10 at Rose Bowl Cricket Ground.
