Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams returned to TV screens yesterday evening, putting Preston right back in the RTV spotlight.

The second season picks up where Freddie left things – with an unlikely set of cricketers assembled from across the area.

This time – they head to India alongside former Lancashire cricketer Kyle Hogg.

Read more: Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams returns to Preston as the team head to India 

It’s an emotional episode for all of the usual reasons associated with Field of Dreams, as Freddie continues his mentorship of a group of young people.

But it’s also a chance for people to see Flintoff reflect on the crash in December 2022 which nearly claimed his life – and had a profound impact on it in the aftermath.

The return was lauded by TV critics across national titles. You can see a selection of the write-ups below.

The Guardian – read here

So far, cricket hardly comes into it. In a country where lads play cricket every day in parks and playgrounds in the way young British people play football, the Preston novices would be marmalised by any organised local team. So Flintoff finds them a game of street cricket against a team of kids being looked after by a homelessness charity: tennis ball, underarm bowling, and if you hit a six into someone’s yard, you’re out. Despite a certain A Flintoff batting at number 11, the Britons lose, but the result is meaningless: Freddie and his boys have got back out there and played. In a show full of small victories, it’s a big win.

New Statesman – read here

The boys’ daring goes hand in hand with a squeamish and distinctly pathetic timidity. Sean has a fit at the sight of a fried pomfret. Ben admits to having swallowed not a thing since the Pringles he scoffed on the flight. They want KFC, not mutton curry and coconut dhal. Flintoff, who’ll eat anything, is stern. “Just try it,” he’ll say, as if to a toddler. His expression is caught throughout between amazement and gratitude. Second chances. Anyone who is lucky enough to get one should grab it with both (turmeric-stained) hands.

The Independent – read here

It’s undoubtedly schmaltzy, and some will find the narrative beats of Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams On Tour rather predictable. In that way, it does not resemble the fickle carnage of true Indian street cricket. But as a testament to the power of sport – and sportsmanship – to overcome hurdles and break down barriers, this second innings marks a welcome return to the crease.

Mail Online – read here

His bravery in returning to TV, in laying bare the physical and emotional marks with which the crash has left him, is commendable.

He may not be able to save the world through cricket. But cricket is saving him.

Den of Geek – read here

Just look what it does to Flintoff, an international star who spent the seven months after his accident scared to leave his home. Scouting the city streets for an opposing team to play his lads (“I need to find the worst cricketers in Kolkata” he jokes, not really joking), he stumbles on a gully game, takes a bat and takes his stance. In that instant, all of his apprehension, all of that thunderous weight pushing him down melts. His eyes follow the ball, he hits and he runs. This temporary father of nine young men who’s been hiding his scar tissue and feelings behind sunglasses becomes smiling and unselfconscious. He plays. And like this outstanding series, it’s beautiful to watch.

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