Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was one of the most fiercest competitors on the field. He continued with his adventurous pursuits post-retirement in 2009 as he took up pro boxing and has also been involved in shooting for motorcar shows.

In a recent interview on Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams on Tour show on BBC, he opened up about his mental struggles post a horrific accident at the Top Gear show in 2022 where he faced multiple facial injuries, highlighting that he often has anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks and it has been hard to cope ever since.

“I genuinely should not be here after what happened. I don’t want to sit and feel sorry for myself. I don’t want sympathy. I’m struggling with my anxiety, I have nightmares, I have flashbacks – it’s been so hard to cope. But I’m thinking if I don’t do something, I’ll never go. I’ve got to get on with it. I am struggling already and I need help. I really am. I’m not the best at asking for it. I need to stop crying every two minutes,” Flintoff revealed.

“I’ve got to look at the positives, I’ve got another chance, and I’m going to go at it. I’m seeing that as how it is – a second go. But you see that, and it pales into insignificance in comparison. You come to a place like this and you see all these kids, it’s inspiring, because all of them have had hardship in their lives. It’s bizarre, I’m getting quite emotional as I’m speaking…I’m going to have to put my sunglasses on!,” he added.

The Englishman has been involved in motoring accidents since he began as the co-presenter in one of the shows in 2019. He lost control of a motorized strike, the Time Bandit, while racing at 124mph against co-hosts Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness.

The 46-year-old retired from international cricket with over 7000 international runs, 226 wickets in Tests, and 169 in ODIs.