Andrew Flintoff seen coaching English cricket team in first public appearance since horror Top Gear crash

A sports legend has made his first public appearance, nine months on from a horror crash that he was lucky to survive.

Freddie Flintoff was back with pals on the cricket pitch on Friday — nine months after cheating death in his Top Gear horror smash, The Sun reports.

The 45-year-old star, who suffered facial injuries and broken ribs in the 210kph crash, was ­pictured helping to coach the England team in Cardiff in their match against New Zealand.

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One-day captain Jos Buttler said: “He’s a legend and it’s great to have him around.”

Freddie narrowly escaped death after driving an open-topped three-wheel Morgan Super 3 for the BBC motor show last December at Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey.

But nine months on, he was seen leading fielding drills in the warm-up for a one-day showdown at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens.

Former England captain Freddie Flintoff in the stands during the first one day international match. (Photo by Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images)

Andrew Flintoff’s injuries were visible in his first public appearance since the crash. (Photo by Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty Images)

Flintoff, who took 226 wickets for England, wore a catching mitt as he received balls from bowlers Reece Topley and Gus Atkinson.

Freddie was later snapped sitting alongside stars Joe Root and Ben Stokes on the players’ balcony during England’s innings.

At times, the star was wearing dark glasses and an England-branded bucket hat.

It was understood he is helping out the side as an unpaid consultant and is not an official member of the coaching lineup.

Andrew Flintoff (right) joined the England team during the first ODI at Cardiff. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Andrew Flintoff (right) pictured in June 2012.

His transition to the full international side is believed to follow a stint with England’s Under-19s.

Skipper Jos Buttler said: “He’s starting to do a bit of stuff in cricket. He’s an England legend and it’s great to have him around the squad.

“He’s not in any specific role but a few of the lads can pick his brain.”

BBC chiefs abandoned all ­filming of Top Gear in the aftermath of the crash and “sincerely apologised” to the star.

This article was originally published in The Sun and was reproduced with permission.