During the filming of an episode of the BBC’s “Top Gear,” former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff was involved in a car accident and was airlifted to the hospital. The Sun reported that his injuries were not life-threatening. At the program’s test track at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome, south of London, the incident took place on Tuesday.
“Freddie (Flintoff) was injured in an accident at the Top Gear test track this morning – with crew medics attending the scene immediately. He has been taken to hospital for further treatment and we will confirm more details in due course,” a BBC spokesperson told Reuters.
“All the usual health and safety measures were in place for filming too,” a source told The Sun. “Freddie was taken to hospital by air ambulance shortly afterwards. Filming has been postponed for now and all anyone cares about is Freddie recovering.”
All-arounder Flintoff left cricket in 2010, and after briefly pursuing a career in boxing, he joined Top Gear as a host in 2019. He received the 2005 Ashes Man of the Series award for his valiant efforts in leading England to their first Ashes victory in 18 years.
After Ian Bottham, Flintoff is regarded as one of England’s greatest all-rounders. He represented his country in 79 Tests, 141 ODIs, and 7 T20 Internationals, amassing more than 7000 runs and 400 wickets in total.
I got Freddie on my radar: Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar, in the meantime, recently reflected on the 2005 series against England and remembered his tense altercation with former English all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. Akhtar “looked like Tarzan but bowled like Jane,” according to Flintoff, who said this following the 2005 Super Series, which occurred just before the tour.
Recalling the statement, Akhtar, in a conversation with The Guardian, said, “I was on the edge of my sofa wondering whether I was going to be selected for the series or not. Once I was, then my main motivation was Freddie Flintoff.”
“I got Freddie on my radar and I just started bowling bouncers. He was uncomfortable, I got him out and said to him: ‘How do I look Mr Flintoff, like Tarzan or Jane?’” said Akhtar.
“He said: ‘Forgive me Shoaib. You are two different people in a span of three weeks. You were unfit and down in the mouth and now you are totally different. What happened?’ I said: ‘A lot of painkillers and even more heart.’” Akhtar further recalled.
