Former England cricket star Flintoff reveals mental health battle after horrific car crash
He shared his experiences of anxiety when re-entering public life, detailing moments such as meeting England's cricket team in 2023 and gradually finding comfort.
Despite ongoing flashbacks and anxiety, Flintoff has embraced his role in coaching, recently being appointed England Lions head coach in September 2024.
For more cricket news, visit our dedicated section.
Former England star Andrew Flintoff has revealed the extent of the mental health struggles he has endured since his horrific car crash on the set of television programme Top Gear.
In one of his first interviews since sustaining severe facial injuries in the accident in 2022, Flintoff admitted he initially found it hard to return to public life.
The 47-year-old ex-England all-rounder said it took him "10 goes to leave my bedroom" due to anxiety on his first morning as an assistant coach with the national team in 2023.
"That day in Cardiff, it took me 10 goes to leave my hotel bedroom. I couldn't get out of the room," he told The Times in an interview with former England captain Mike Atherton.
"I was so anxious and worried. I eventually went down to breakfast; sat down and chatted with Reece Topley and then Jos Buttler.
"I had to go back to my room to get my baseball mitt and I was waiting for the lift again and heard footsteps. I knew it would be (England captain) Ben Stokes.
"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.
"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."
READ | Australian ex-cricketer Slater sentenced for domestic violence
Flintoff was driving a Morgan Super 3 three-wheeled sports car when it overturned and crashed off of the Top Gear test track during filming.
The open-topped car is capable of hitting 130mph and the cricketer wasn't wearing a helmet when it flipped over.
Flintoff suffered severe facial injuries and broken ribs in the crash.
"It's always going to be there, but in a strange way, I've got an acceptance of it now. I'm not fighting it," he said of the physical and mental scars of the accident.
"I still get flashbacks at night and anxiety and other stuff but I know it's happening and I'm accepting of it."
Flintoff retired as a player in 2010 aged 31 after playing in 79 Tests between 1998 and 2009.
Initially invited to help with England Under-19s after the crash, he was appointed as England Lions head coach in September 2024.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak only wants to join Liverpool
Liverpool have received a big boost in their efforts to sign Newcastle United star Alexander Isak. According to Fabrizio Romano, Isak only wants to join the Merseyside titans this summer despite interest from many other clubs. Newcastle have been adamant that the Swedish footballer is not for sale in this transfer window. But the striker has clearly expressed his desire to leave St James' Park, putting the Magpies in a difficult situation. Liverpool are expected to make a formal approach for Isak in the coming days, despite spending £79m to sign Hugo Ektike from Eintracht Frankfurt. The Premier League champions will likely have to break the British transfer record for the 25-year-old, as he is reportedly valued at £150m by Newcastle. Given their big outlay this summer, doubts were raised about their ability to sign Isak in the current window. But it emerges Arne Slot's side can afford to spend another £200m and remain compliant with Profit and Sustainability Rules. They have been frugal in the previous three transfer windows, and also banked £174.9m in prize money for winning the Premier League last season. Liverpool are also set for a financial boost as they are close to selling Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich. The two clubs have reportedly reached an agreement worth up to £65m, with the Colombian also keen on the move. The Reds are also open to offers for Darwin Nunez, who has been attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Geezer Butler recalls seeing 'frail' Ozzy Osbourne at final Black Sabbath rehearsal
Bassist Geezer Butler has recalled how Ozzy Osbourne appeared "frail" at the rehearsal for Black Sabbath's final concert. Last week, a representative for the Osbourne family announced that the rock music icon had died at the age of 76. Just two weeks earlier, Ozzy had joined his bandmates, including Geezer - real name Terence Butler - drummer Bill Ward, and guitarist Tony Iommi, for a farewell spectacle held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England. "Then it was time for Ozzy to join us," he wrote in an essay for The Sunday Times. "I knew he wasn't in good health, but I wasn't prepared to see how frail he was. He was helped into the rehearsal room by two helpers and a nurse and was using a cane - being Ozzy, the cane was black and studded with gold and precious stones." Geezer went on to describe how Ozzy seemed to have little energy in the run-up to the show. "He didn't really say much beyond the usual greetings, and when he sang, he sat in a chair," the musician continued. "We ran through the songs, but we could see it was exhausting him after six or seven songs. We had a bit of a chat, but he was really quiet compared with the Ozzy of old." In addition, Geezer noted that the "strangest part" of the final concert performance was the "end". "Normally, we would all hug each other and take a bow to the audience," he explained. "But Ozzy was on his throne and we hadn't thought that out. What do we do? Tony shook his hand, I presented him with a cake, but it was such a strange feeling to end our story like that. I wish I'd had more time backstage with Ozzy, but wishes are redundant now." Elsewhere in the essay, Geezer insisted Ozzy had a "heart of gold" despite adopting the nickname "Prince of Darkness". "To me, Ozzy wasn't the Prince of Darkness - if anything, he was the Prince of Laughter. He'd do anything for a laugh, a born entertainer," he added.
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Man Utd urged to take advantage of PL frontman's precarious contract situation, he'd ‘tick a lot of boxes'
Manchester United have been urged to try their luck in pursuit of Crystal Palace frontman Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has yet to commit his long-term future to the club despite being in contract talks for several months. It's no secret that INEOS chiefs are now desperately scouring the market for a suitable striker addition in time for 2025/2026 getting underway in less than a month's time. United have already missed out on a whopping three targets in the window thus far: Liam Delap when he signed for Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike before he made the move to Liverpool, and Viktor Gyokeres when he officially sealed his desired switch to Arsenal over the weekend. As a result, forwards that are not only available but also valued at affordable prices are few and far between this summer. Why United should test Palace's resolve for Jean-Philippe Mateta Mateta has flourished under Oliver Glasner. (Photo by) That's why Manchester Evening News' George Smith has implored the Red Devils board to go all-out for Mateta in hopes of taking advantage of his uncertain future at Selhurst Park. The 28-year-old has enjoyed spells of particularly eye-catching over the last two seasons; he notched 16 goals and six assists in 35 Premier League appearances in 2023/2024, followed by 14 goals and two assists last time out. Outside the top flight, he played a key role in Palace reigning triumphant in the FA Cup final to secure their first-ever major trophy. 'Mateta ticks plenty of boxes. He is a defender's worst nightmare, both with the ball at his feet and in the air,' says Smith. Mateta hopes to oversee an even more prolific 25/26 term for one key reason To make matters more intriguing for United, Mateta is said to be dreaming of a World Cup call-up next summer, which would see him potentially represent France for the first-ever time at senior level outside of last year's Olympics. Whilst he could indeed be rewarded for a stellar campaign with the Eagles, representing a club like United, the 20-time champions of England, throughout their 2025/2026 rebuild may aid his case considerably more – the likes of Leny Yoro, who's awaiting his debut for France, will also be aiming to impress Didier Deschamps. More Stories / Latest News Man Utd urged to take advantage of PL frontman's precarious contract situation, he'd 'tick a lot of boxes' Jul 28 2025, 6:30 Major boost for Man Utd as Sesko follows in the footsteps of Cunha & Mbeumo Jul 27 2025, 16:18 Breaking: Al-Nassr submit offer for Man Utd star as Ronaldo prepares for double reunion Jul 27 2025, 14:41
