Andrew Flintoff is sent messages of support from former team-mate Kevin Pietersen and Piers Morgan after the ex-England cricketer was seen for the first time since his near-fatal Top Gear crash nine months ago

Kevin Pietersen and Piers Morgan were among those to welcome Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff on his return to cricket.

On Friday, Flintoff was seen for the first time since he was involved in a horror crash on BBC’s Top Gear nine months ago that almost killed him.

Flintoff’s facial injuries from the crash were visible when he worked with the England team ahead of their defeat to New Zealand.

Pietersen, who was part of England’s Ashes-winning team alongside Flintoff in 2005, was delighted to see his former teammate involved in cricket again.

Pietersen posted a photo of Flintoff and wrote: ‘Freddie BACK!!!!’ along with six heart emojis.

Pietersen expressed his joy at seeing his old teammate Flintoff back in action

Morgan also stated that it was ‘brilliant’ to see Flintoff back.

Morgan wrote: ‘Great to see Freddie @flintoff11 back with the England team today after that terrible Top Gear car crash.’

Mail Sport’s David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd wrote: ‘Really delighted! Great to have him back in the game.”

Flintoff crashed at 130mph in a three-wheeled open-top car, which had no airbags.

He had to wait 45 minutes before an air ambulance arrived.

Flintoff left Top Gear as a result of the incident and several staff members who witnessed it have taken indefinite sick leave due to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Flintoff played in 79 Tests and 141 one-day internationals before retiring after England won the 2009 Ashes.

Before returning to work, Flintoff received encouragement from England general manager Rob Key and spent time with the England Under-19 team.

The injuries Flintoff suffered left him in the hospital for five weeks. It is currently uncertain whether he will resume his television career.

Flintoff was involved in cricket again for the first time since his horror car accident