Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff spotted at Sophia Gardens

The England cricket legend was seen at the one-day international against New Zealand, as the visitors triumphed by eight wickets.

Flintoff, 45, was part of the 2005 and 2009 team which won the Ashes against Australia, and has been out of the public eye since a Top Gear crash last year.

He suffered facial injuries and a broken rib following the accident at Top Gear’s Dunsfold Park studios in Surrey last December, where he had been driving a three-wheel Morgan Super 3 for the BBC show.

Flintoff had been a presenter on Top Gear since 2019 along with Paddy McGuiness and Chris Harris, but he has since quit the BBC programme, with the corporation apologising to him in March and pledging to continue to support him.

On Friday, Flintoff was spotted on the balcony of the England team at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, where he helped with fielding drills and sported and a team kit and bucket hat, after being invited to the game.

He was spotted with tape on his nose and the aftermath of facial injuries as he continues his recovery.

England captain Jos Buttler told BBC Sport: “He’s obviously an England legend and it’s just nice to have him around the group.

“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.”

The BBC suspended filming on Top Gear’s 34th series following the incident as a health and safety review takes place.