Freddie display wows Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen hailed the return of "superstar" Andrew Flintoff after his first significant innings of the summer helped England beat South Africa in the NatWest Series opener at Headingley.
Kevin Pietersen hailed the return of "superstar" Andrew Flintoff after his first significant innings of the summer helped England beat South Africa in the NatWest Series opener at Headingley.
Flintoff contributed a superb 78 off 70 balls in a 158-run stand with man-of-the-match Pietersen that helped England reach 275 for four. He then claimed two wickets for 46 as South Africa were dismissed for 255.
"The man is a superstar," said Pietersen, who scored 90 not out and also took two wickets. "Some people are born into this world who are just superstars. The ability he has with that cricket ball when he bowls is just second to none. It's absolutely phenomenal."
Flintoff's innings was also his first half-century since scoring an unbeaten 72 against New Zealand in Hobart more than a year ago. The match also marked a successful return to one-day international cricket for Steve Harmison.
The Durham fast bowler claimed two for 43 from his 10 overs – just 24 hours after Pietersen persuaded him to reverse his decision to retire from one-day international cricket.
England's new captain confirmed 29-year-old Harmison would be available this winter and believes his comeback can only strengthen the one-day options.
"Steve wants to play for England, he wants to play on the biggest stage, which is where he's performing on at the moment."
