 has been seen working with England's seamers Credit: Getty Freddie's desire to avoid the spotlight also saw him watch the Ashes "incognito" from a back office over the summer. But he was pictured for the first time since the crash earlier this week as it emerged he was helping England during their ODI series against New Zealand as an unpaid consultant. And his presence has buoyed the England players , many of whom grew up watching him and his rise to stardom during the infamous 2005 Ashes win. England paceman Chris Woakes said: "The vibe in the camp is really good and having Freddie Flintoff around is amazing. "I've met him on a few occasions but it's the first time I've spent a large amount of time with him. 'He was a hero of mine growing up. To pick his brains and chat a bit of rubbish with him in the dressing-room is surreal, really." Woakes' comments have been echoed by fellow seamer Reece Topley, who also praised Freddie's impact during his short stint with the team. He told MailOnline : "Freddie has been really good for me this week. He's a massive character and an idol of mine and the things he's said to me have really resonated. "He had serious injuries and his career was cut short and there's a lot for me to relate to. "Some of his offerings have been poignant and I'm just grateful to have him around. He's having a real impact here and that speaks volumes for him){kind=link}
ANDREW ‘Freddie’ Flintoff’s return to cricket has boosted the England dressing room with his banter and words of wisdom.
The England legend, 45, has rarely been seen in public since his horror 130mph crash while filming Top Gear in December last year.
Freddie’s desire to avoid the spotlight also saw him watch the Ashes “incognito” from a back office over the summer.
But he was pictured for the first time since the crash earlier this week as it emerged he was helping England during their ODI series against New Zealand as an unpaid consultant.
And his presence has buoyed the England players, many of whom grew up watching him and his rise to stardom during the infamous 2005 Ashes win.