I was going to say were representing England, he tells them.
But were representing something far bigger than that.
This delayed international trip is one of the few times hes been out of his house in months.
Perhaps Flintoffs about to say that theyre representing teamwork or family.
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So, whats bigger than representing England, according to Flintoff?
RepresentingPreston, he tells the boys, with a laugh.
Local pride and easy humour like that is everywhere in this four-part documentary follow-up.
Flintoff is Northern, but hes not alright.
Not yet, anyway, and hes brave enough to admit it.
He tells Josh, whos autistic and struggling to branch out of his narrow food habits in India.
He tells Dylan, whose heart is breaking over a girl at home.
He tells Ben, a formerly homeless young man whos frustrated by his cricket ability and feeling directionless.
He feels like a dad of nine on this trip, hes surprised to realise.
The boys behaviour is challenging.
Later episodes show that this journey is two steps forward, one step back.
But oh, the steps forward.
A happy ending, in other words.
Except that, as this empathy-leddocumentaryshows, life isnt that simple.
Two of his English teammates volunteer to fast with him for a day in support.
No food, no water, even no sex, Adnan explains.
I think well be alright on that last one, laughs Flintoff.
Hemi asks if masturbation counts, and Adnan shows his innocence.
At the mosque where the trio break their fast at sunset, the English boys follow Adnans lead.
We see their fear and embarrassment gradually replaced by trust and its natural consequences: bravery and self-worth.
They develop a sense of care and responsibility for themselves and for each other.
Adnan and maybe Eli aside, this lot arent going professional, and so what?
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.
And like this outstanding series, its beautiful to watch.
Freddie Flintoffs Field of Dreams on Tourairs on Tuesdays at 9pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
