PAUL NEWMAN: Freddie Flintoff is back where he belongs after a long and painful journey following his life-threatening accident on Top Gear - and cricket will be better for his secretive return to the

It was a journey that started before the serious accident while filming Top Gear that could so easily have taken his life. And it is one that saw Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff this week return to what many consider his rightful place in the heart of the England cricket team dressing room. Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff's return to cricket was perhaps accelerated by his shocking accident Flintoff hasn't sought nor been given any money for his time working in this four-match series The former England star is loving being back in the dressing room again without any cynicism So keen and enthusiastic has Flintoff been about this new chapter in his life that Mail Sport understands he has neither sought nor been given any money for his time working in this four-match series. ‘I first started talking to him about getting back into the game before he had his accident,’ revealed David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, the man who nurtured the young Flintoff when he first emerged as an outstanding prospect with Lancashire and then England Under 19s. But it’s terrific news that he’s back and I was delighted to see him with the England team in Cardiff.’ Flintoff’s involvement in the national team began with him spending time with England U19s Flintoff was seen with Steve Harmison at an age-group match between Lancashire and Durham The TV host had been filming the latest series of Top Gear, which was due to be aired this autumn Flintoff’s involvement in the national team began with him spending time earlier this summer with England Under 19s.