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Piers Morgan has voiced his support for Freddie Flintoff for making a rare public appearance following his horrific accident last year. <\/p>\n
The ex-cricketer \u2013 real name Andrew Flintoff, 45 \u2013 was airlifted to hospital last December after he was involved in an accident while filming Top Gear in Surrey. <\/p>\n
The former England captain suffered facial injuries, and series 34 was halted after the crash. <\/p>\n
Ever since, the presenter has kept a low profile. But he appeared yesterday (September 8) at Cardiff\u2019s Sophia Gardens to watch England\u2019s opening one-day international against New Zealand. <\/p>\n
Now, the GB News presenter has commended the sportsman for his appearance, as he took to X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: \u2018Brilliant to see \u2066Freddie @flintoff11\u2069 back with the England team today, after that horrendous Top Gear car smash.\u2019 <\/p>\n
Fans also flooded social media with support for Freddie, as one person wrote a touching comment: \u2018I\u2019m glad he felt comfortable to be out and helping with the team. It took me months after my head surgery to want to go out in public and I could cover my scars with a hat. I hope his recovery continues to go well.\u2019 <\/p>\n
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As Freddie sat on the balcony in his England coaching kit, it is believed this is the first time he\u2019s been photographed since the accident. <\/p>\n
As a close friend of England managing director Rob Key, Freddie is set to continue supporting the squad for the remainder of the series in a role that is said to be unpaid. <\/p>\n
England captain Jos Buttler said it was \u2018great\u2019 to have Freddie around and he had \u2018settled in really well\u2019.<\/p>\n
He said: \u2018So he\u2019s been starting to do some stuff in cricket.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s just great for him to be around, he\u2019s obviously an England legend and it\u2019s just nice to have him around the group.<\/p>\n
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\u2018He\u2019s not been brought in with any specific role, just to be around and observe.<\/p>\n
\u2018A few of the lads can pick his brains a little bit and he\u2019s settled in really well. It\u2019s great to have him with us. Just for this series.\u2019<\/p>\n
Freddie\u2019s international career ended in 2009 after he played a huge part in taking England to an Ashes series victory over Australia. <\/p>\n
He went on to launch a career in broadcasting, including featuring on Sky\u2019s A League Of Their Own and BBC\u2019s Top Gear.<\/p>\n
Of the horror crash, the BBC released a statement last year that read: \u2018We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery. Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time.<\/p>\n
\u2018We understand this will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we\u2019ll make a judgement about how best to continue later this year.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018This has also impacted the production team, who we continue to support.\u2019<\/p>\n