Freddie Flintoff tells England debutant Tom Hartley ‘this will change your life forever’ as he presents his cap ahead of Ireland ODI… as he continues to show signs of recovery after Top Gear crash

• Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff presented Tom Hartley with his first England cap 
• Flintoff told fellow Lancastrian Hartley that this will change his life 
• Former England all-rounder working with the squad following Top Gear accident 

Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff presented England’s Tom Hartley with his first international cap ahead of his debut against Ireland as he continues to recover from his Top Gear crash.

Flintoff told Hartley, 24: ‘This will change your life forever.’ 

Like Flintoff, Hartley comes from Lancashire and it was a special moment for him.

Sam Hain, Jamie Smith and George Scrimshaw were also given their debuts.

Flintoff is continuing to work with the England squad as part of his return to cricket following his accident on the BBC show.

Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff presented England’s Tom Hartley with his first international cap

It was a memorable moment for Hartley, who, like Flintoff, comes from Lancashire

Flintoff was seen putting the England squad through their paces earlier this week.

The former England star has been enjoying being back involved with the setup, with his knowledge and experience proving useful for the squad. 

Flintoff suffered a serious crash in December 2022 while filming for BBC’s Top Gear. He was left with severe facial injuries and several broken ribs.

Following the incident Flintoff had to wait 45 minutes for an air ambulance, with the BBC later apologising to him.

ECB managing director Rob Key is seen as a major force behind Flintoff’s return to cricket. 

Flintoff is continuing to work with the England squad as part of his return to cricket

Key was the one to first invite the recovering star to attend three of the summer’s Ashes Tests away from the cameras, and was keen for him to work alongside England’s U19s.

‘I would get texts from Keysie when I was at a game with just two words in them ‘Fred’s here’, said Mail Sport’s David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, a mentor and influence on Flintoff as his first coach at Lancashire and England Under 19s. ‘Then I would try to get to where he was for a chat.

‘The funny one was Manchester. Andrew was sitting there with Key in a room in the media centre at Old Trafford about 10 yards from the world’s press. They had no idea. He arrived with a hat and scarf on and didn’t want to be seen by anyone.’

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