(Getty Images)
Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has shared his experiences with anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks after a serious accident that resulted in life-changing injuries.
Flintoff has described the crash as a pivotal event that “changed his life forever.” The accident took place in December 2022 while Flintoff was driving an open-topped three-wheeler at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey.
Andrew Flintoff Shares Details About His Life-Altering Accident
The vehicle overturned and skidded along the track, resulting in multiple facial injuries and broken ribs, leading to Andrew Flintoff being airlifted to the hospital. In his new BBC One show, *Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams*, the former all-rounder has publicly discussed his struggles for the first time.
Flintoff revealed that in the seven months following the crash, he frequently found himself “crying every two minutes” and left home only for medical appointments. The first series of *Field of Dreams*, which aired in 2022, featured Flintoff returning to his hometown of Preston to create a cricket team from teenagers who had never played before.
The second series, initially delayed by the accident, chronicles the team’s tour of India, which took place earlier this year and provided Flintoff with a new perspective on life.
I’m a different person now: Andrew Flintoff
Andrew Flintoff was quoted as saying by BCC Sports: “I don’t know what completely better is. I am what I am now. I’m different from what I was. It’s something I will have to deal with for the rest of my life. Better? No, different. I genuinely should not be here with what happened. It’s going to be a long road back, and I’ve only just started.
I’m going to need help. I really am. I’m not the best at asking for it. I need to stop crying every two minutes. I’m looking forward to seeing the boys. I really am. This India trip is going to be for me as much as them now. I’m determined. I really want to go.”
Flintoff underwent multiple facial surgeries and seldom left his home. He always wore a “full face mask and glasses” whenever he went out, saying it was really hard to cope with it.
He added, “I thought I could just shake it off. I wanted to shake it off and say ‘Everything’s all right’, but that’s not been the case. It’s been a lot harder than I thought. As much as I wanted to go out and do things, I’ve just not been able to. I struggle with anxiety. I have nightmares; I have flashbacks. It’s been so hard to cope with.”
Cricket has been instrumental in helping him cope with the aftermath of the crash.
The former England all-rounder also disclosed that cricket has been pivotal in his recovery from the crash. Engaging with the sport provides him with a temporary respite from his difficulties and allows him to immerse himself fully in the game.
In the past year, Flintoff has felt more valuable than ever, finding essential support and inspiration through cricket. He is currently serving as the head coach for the Northern Superchargers in the ongoing Hundred 2024 tournament.
