Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was spotted on the team balcony during the first ODI against New Zealand – speaking after play, Jos Buttler explained his role during the series.
During his career, Flintoff was England’s most famous cricketer and one of England’s best cricketers. In the 2005 Ashes, England won 2-1, securing their first series win against Australia since 1986/87, and Compton won his mirror with his medal.
Since retiring from cricket, he has built a career in the media outside of cricket, most notably as a presenter on Top Gear. While filming the popular Motor His show at the end of 2022, Dunsfold was airlifted to hospital due to an accident at His Park Airfield, and filming for the show was subsequently halted.
Flintoff appeared at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens for the first ODI against New Zealand and was photographed for the first time since his accident.
After England lost by eight wickets, Butler explained that Flintoff did not have a “specific role” for England but was open to talking to any player.
“He’s obviously an England legend and I’m really happy to have him in the group,” Butler said. “He wasn’t given a specific role, just to be there and observe. Some of the players were able to check on him a little bit and he’s fitting in really well. It’s great to be with them. Only in this series.”
Flintoff’s Test exploits are what he is best remembered for, but his ODI record eclipses it in the longest format. In 50 overs of cricket for England, he averaged 32 runs with the bat, slightly higher than in Tests, and scored 88.82 runs per 100 balls. With the ball he took 169 wickets at an average of 24 wickets and per over he scored 4.39 runs.
England are ODI world champions but have won only five of their last 15 matches in this format. Their World Cup defense will be against New Zealand in a month’s time. The second leg of his four-game series between the two teams will take place tomorrow (September 9) at Southampton.
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