10 agonizing attempts: Flintoff’s battle to leave his hotel room after life-shattering crash

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Andrew Flintoff has revealed how cricket became his sanctuary after a harrowing car crash left him battling severe anxiety and physical scars. The former England all-rounder, who suffered life-altering facial injuries during a 2022 Top Gear filming accident, described struggling to leave his hotel room during his early days coaching England’s cricket team. “That day in Cardiff, it took me 10 goes to leave my bedroom. I couldn’t get out of the room,” Flintoff told The Times, recalling how interactions with players like Reece Topley and Jos Buttler helped him gradually regain confidence.
The BBC suspended Top Gear indefinitely following the crash, which reportedly resulted in a £9 million compensation settlement for Flintoff. His return to cricket included mentoring roles with England’s second team and coaching positions at Northern Superchargers, where he worked closely with rising star Harry Brook. Flintoff spoke candidly about an awkward elevator encounter with Ben Stokes, admitting, “I didn’t really know him then. I’ve built a great relationship with him since, but I was anxious about that, standing in the lift with him.”
Joe Root’s welcoming presence in the dressing room became a cornerstone of Flintoff’s recovery, helping him navigate the psychological aftermath of the crash. “Slowly but surely I started to find my feet,” he said, reflecting on how media positivity surprised him post-accident. Flintoff’s documentary, set to premiere on Disney+, details his seven-month withdrawal from public life and the speculation he faced during recovery.
Despite ongoing night-time flashbacks and anxiety, Flintoff has embraced cricket as his emotional anchor. “It’s always going to be there, but in a strange way, I’ve got an acceptance of it now,” he said, emphasizing how the sport’s camaraderie provided stability. The 47-year-old now prioritizes cricket over other commitments, though he humorously added, “I’ll still do the odd Bullseye now and again because I’ve got bills to pay.” His journey underscores how returning to familiar environments can aid mental health recovery after trauma.