Andrew Flintoff Opens Up About Car Crash Aftermath

Former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff revealed the lingering effects of his serious car accident during a TV show filming. He mentioned experiencing ongoing flashbacks during the night.

In one of his initial interviews following the December 2022 incident, Flintoff confided in former England captain Michael Atherton about his initial reluctance to leave his hotel room. He eventually joined Jos Buttler and Reece Topley for breakfast.

Flintoff recounted, “That day in Cardiff, it took me numerous attempts to simply exit my hotel room. I felt paralyzed by anxiety. Eventually, I made my way to breakfast and engaged in conversation with Reece Topley and then Jos Buttler.”

The former cricketer also shared that England Test captain Ben Stokes reached out to check on him. Their relationship has since grown significantly.

“I needed to retrieve my baseball glove from my room and was waiting for the elevator when I heard footsteps. I knew immediately it was Ben Stokes.

“I didn’t know him very well at the time. Since then, we’ve developed a wonderful bond, but I was definitely uneasy standing in the elevator with him.

“In the locker room, Joe Root, one of the nicest individuals you’ll ever encounter, approached me, and everyone made me feel incredibly welcome.

“Gradually, I began to regain my composure. Even the media treated me with kindness when I was photographed sitting on the balcony. It’s remarkable how an accident can alter perceptions.”

Andrew Flintoff further explained that he has come to terms with the psychological challenges resulting from the crash and is no longer resisting them.

“It will always be a part of me, but in a way, I’ve come to accept it. I’m no longer fighting it,” he stated, referring to the physical and emotional scars he carries.

“I still suffer from nighttime flashbacks and anxiety, among other things, but I recognize what’s happening and I am accepting of it.”