Andrew Flintoff reveals battle with anxiety and nightmares following deadly crash

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff has opened up about his battle with anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks following a severe accident that left him with life-altering injuries.

Flintoff describes the crash as a crucial moment that "changed his life forever." The incident occurred in December 2022 when Flintoff was driving an open-topped three-wheeler at Surrey’s Dunsfold Aerodrome.

Andrew Flintoff opens up about life-changing accident

The vehicle overturned and skidded along the track, resulting in multiple facial injuries and broken ribs and causing the England legend to be airlifted to the hospital. In his new BBC One show, Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams, the former all-rounder has publicly shared his struggles for the first time.

Flintoff revealed that in the seven months following the crash, he was often "crying every two minutes" and went away from home only for medical appointments. The first series of the Field of Dreams, which aired in 2022, saw Flintoff returning to his hometown of Preston to form a cricket team of teenagers who had never played before.

The second series, which was initially delayed by the accident, focuses on taking the team on a tour of India, a journey that finally took place earlier this year, and it gave the former all-rounder a new vision for 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 had to undergo several facial surgeries and rarely 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 helping to cope with crashes

The former England all-rounder also revealed that cricket played a significant role in his recovery from the crash. Being involved in the game allows him to temporarily escape his troubles and become fully involved in the game.

Over the past year, Flintoff said that he has felt more valuable than ever before, and turning to cricket has become a crucial source of support and inspiration for him. He is currently serving as the Northern Superchargers head coach in the ongoing The Hundred 2024.