Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff made a highly anticipated return to the cricketing scene after an absence of nine months. Flintoff, who suffered facial injuries in an accident while filming for Top Gear at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey last year, was welcomed back to the fold as he joined the England squad for their one-day international series against New Zealand at Sophia Gardens.
The 45-year-old former all-rounder, who has represented England in 79 Tests and 141 one-day matches, was pictured in the stands alongside the rest of the support staff. England’s ODI captain, Jos Buttler, expressed his delight at Flintoff’s presence within the squad, hailing him as an England legend.
Buttler commented on Flintoff’s involvement, stating, “So he’s been starting to do some stuff in cricket. It’s just great for him to be around, he’s obviously an England legend, and it’s just nice to have him around the group.”
Andrew Flintoff💔
In yesterday’s game between Eng and NZ Freddie made his first appearance since his accident in Dec 2022 and I couldn’t recognise him.
He is a superstar on and off the field and an absolute legend, hope he returns at his best and do well in TV❤️🏴🙏#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/7O8xMJqrSo
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) September 9, 2023
However, Buttler clarified that Flintoff hadn’t been assigned a specific role; his presence was primarily to observe and offer his insights to the players. “He’s not been brought in with any specific role, just to be around and observe. A few of the lads can pick his brains a little bit, and he’s settled in really well. It’s great to have him with us. Just for this series,” Buttler explained.
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In the match against New Zealand, the visitors won the toss and opted to bowl first. England had a solid start, with an 80-run opening partnership between Harry Brook and Dawid Malan. However, they lost wickets in the middle overs and found themselves at 101/3. Subsequently, partnerships between Buttler and Ben Stokes, as well as Buttler and Liam Livingstone, helped England reach a competitive total of 291/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Rachin Ravindra and Tim Southee were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, with Ravindra claiming three wickets and Southee picking up two.
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In the chase, New Zealand got off to a solid start, with openers Devon Conway and Will Young forming a 61-run partnership. Conway then combined with Henry Nicholls to put New Zealand in a commanding position at 117/2. However, it was the partnership between Conway and Daryl Mitchell that turned the tide decisively in New Zealand’s favor, as they forged a match-winning 180-run stand.
Conway’s unbeaten century and Mitchell’s aggressive batting propelled New Zealand to a comfortable eight-wicket victory. Conway was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant performance.
