PAUL NEWMAN: Freddie Flintoff is back where he belongs after a long and painful journey following his life-threatening accident on Top Gear – and cricket will be better for his secretive return to the heart of England’s dressing room

It was a journey that began before the serious accident during the filming of Top Gear that could so easily have cost him his life. And it is one that this week saw Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff return to what many consider his rightful place at the heart of the England cricket team’s dressing room.

That journey has been long and very painful for a national treasure who took an unexpected turn when he retired after a brief comeback in 2014 by starting a varied and highly successful career outside of television.

But it was one that was perhaps precipitated by the most harrowing of circumstances when Flintoff, 45, had that shocking accident late last year that left him seriously injured and in hospital for five weeks before beginning a long recovery away from the public eye .

The extent of his injuries was still evident when he took the first notable step in a quiet and almost secretive return to the game by joining England in Cardiff for the start of their ODI series against New Zealand.

But it soon became clear that it was old ‘Freddie’ who passed his knowledge back on to the England players in what has been described as a mentor role for the remainder of this 50-over series and almost certainly into a more permanent position afterwards. in the English format.

Flintoff did not ask for or receive any money for his time in this four-game series

The former England star loves being in the dressing room again without any cynicism

Flintoff is so enthusiastic and enthusiastic about this new chapter in his life that Mail Sport understands he has not asked for or received any money for his time in this four-match series.

He is relishing being back in the dressing room, without the disillusionment and cynicism he seemed to suffer from when he first stepped away from cricket.

“I first started talking to him about getting back into the game before he had his accident,” revealed David “Bumble” Lloyd, the man who nurtured the young Flintoff when he first emerged as a prime prospect at Lancashire and then with England Under 19s.

“He could so easily have gone straight into coaching as soon as he finished playing, but I think this is the better way to do it. He took a break and went away and did all kinds of things. He was even a boxer once! But I think we can now say that Freddie is back home.”

Flintoff’s presence in English cricket has been private this season. It was driven by his great friend and now general manager of the England team in Rob Key, who encouraged Freddie to return without the full publicity.

“I think he was at three of the Ashes Tests,” Bumble said. ‘It was funny in Manchester. Freddie was virtually incognito there, wearing a hat and scarf when in public areas, but he ended up watching the match in a small room in the media center at Old Trafford, with Key about ten yards away from all the press and broadcasters.

‘He didn’t want a fuss, so he made sure they didn’t know he was there. But I talked to him and he was in a good mood. He clearly wants to come back and I think he will be a great coach. He has so much experience and I think he doesn’t accept any nonsense. He will be frank with the players.

‘I see him working with younger players first and seeing how that goes. But it’s great news that he’s back and I was happy to see him with the England team in Cardiff.”

Flintoff’s involvement with the national team began when he spent time with England U19s

Flintoff was seen with Steve Harmison during an age group match between Lancashire and Durham

The TV presenter, pictured here with co-hosts Chris Harris and Paddy McGuinness, was filming the latest series of the show, which was due to air this autumn.

Flintoff’s involvement with the national team began when he spent time with England Under 19s earlier this summer. He was also spotted with his great friend and fellow 2005 Ashes hero Steve Harmison during an age group match between Lancashire and Durham, where he met their respective sons saw in action. Flintoff’s boys Rocky and Corey are both said to be promising young players within the Lancashire formation.

Then, unannounced and in the low-key style he prefers, Flintoff was at Sophia Gardens, still almost incognito wearing one of the bucket hats that have been fashionable all summer among England players and support staff. Incognito, that is, until Mail Sport broke the news of his presence towards the end of Friday’s match.