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“I Was So...” Flintoff Opens Up About Mental Struggles After The Horrific Accident

Poulomi Chakraborty

Andrew Flintoff After Accident (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)Andrew Flintoff After Accident (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)

In the cricket world, fans have witnessed rare talent like Andrew Flintoff. The ace all-rounder of the England cricket team has created some unforgettable memories in fans' hearts. But in 2022, the cricket world was shaken as Flintoff met a life-threatening accident.

A comeback is never easy, whether in life or cricket. After a life-altering accident, Flintoff faced his own tough road back. In a recent interaction, he shared how he fought the mental battle and how acceptance made it easier.

Flintoff Opens Up About His Struggles

In December 2022, the cricket world was in shock as Andrew Flintoff was involved in a horrific car accident while filming a television show. Sustaining several injuries in that unfortunate accident, the comeback was hard, but Flintoff made it possible. While his return looked inspiring on the outside, Flintoff recently revealed the hidden battle.

“That day in Cardiff, it took me 10 goes to leave my hotel bedroom. I couldn’t get out of the room. I was so anxious and worried. I eventually went down to breakfast, sat down and chatted with Reece Topley and then Jos Buttler,” Flintoff said.

The Accident Brings Him Closer To Stokes

Every dark moment often carries a silver lining, the accident brought him close to England skipper Ben Stokes. In his recent chat, he shared how England skipper Ben Stokes reached out during his toughest days, which grew into a beautiful bond now.

“I had to go back to my room to get my baseball mitt, and I was waiting for the lift again and heard footsteps. I knew it would be (England captain) Ben Stokes. 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, “ he added.

Acceptance Makes The Process Easier

An accident is not just about physical injuries, as it comes with mental challenges, anxiety, and many more, and Flintoff’s story was no different. But just like he faced fiery bouncers on the pitch, the legendary all-rounder took on these mental challenges head-on. In his words, just acceptance became a turning point in his life.

“It’s always going to be there, but in a strange way, I’ve got an acceptance of it now. I’m not fighting it. I still get flashbacks at night and anxiety and other stuff, but I know it’s happening and I’m accepting of it,” he said.

In the history of English cricket, a fine all-rounder like Andrew Flintoff is rare, and his jaw-dropping stats are a living example of that. In just 79 Tests, he scored 3845 runs and 226 wickets. Even in the 50-over format, he has left his mark. In 141 matches, he scored 3349 runs and 169 wickets. With unreal cricket brilliance, he scripted a long-lasting legacy in English cricket.