Freddie Flintoff has spoken publicly for the first time since being in a serious car crash.

The former cricketer was involved in a near fatal collision, leaving him with broken bones during the filming of BBC show Top Gear.

The 45-year-old has rarely been seen in public since it happened but has now been seen presenting cricketer Tom Hartley with his cap for the England Cricket team.

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In the sweet video, Freddie describes the England team as family, saying they will be there during “the hardest times of your life”.

He added: “It gives me so much pleasure to share what’s going to be a day Tom that you’re going to remember for the rest of your life. When you get this cap, this changes your life. It’s one of those things, it’s before and after it. This enables you to walk tall and move faster. Play with passion, play with pride, play with belief. “

“And also part of a family of people. They’ll share the good times with you, share the successes. But as I found over the past few months, they’ll be there for you in the hardest times of your life. They will stand next to you. So, like the lion on the cap Tom, be brave, be, fearless, be proud and enjoy every minute,” he continued.

The dad-of-four was driving at a speed of 130mph in an open-topped three-wheeled Morgan Super 3, when it flipped over at the Dunsfold Park Aerodrome in Surrey.

Freddie was not wearing a helmet at the time, meaning he came face to face with the ground.

It has been reported that he had to wait 45 minutes before being airlifted to hospital.

After an investigation, it was found that the car had no airbag and the BBC have since been accused of failing in its duty of care towards Freddie.

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In March, the BBC issued a statement regarding the situation: “(BBC Studios) have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery. Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34 of Top Gear at this time.

“We understand this will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we’ll make a judgment about how best to continue later this year. This has also impacted the production team, who we continue to support. Finally, there will be a health and safety review of the show, in line with our procedures.”

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