England win NatWest Series
Andrew Flintoff's resurgence on the international stage hurtled England to NatWest Series glory over South Africa.
Andrew Flintoff's resurgence on the international stage hurtled England to NatWest Series glory over South Africa.
The all-rounder struck his second half-century in as many visits to the crease as England crushed South Africa by 126 runs at The Brit Oval to open up an unassailable lead.
The latest success also included a first one-day 50 of the summer for Ian Bell and a fine display from Nottinghamshire all-rounder Samit Patel, who followed up a mature 31 with a maiden five-wicket international haul.
Captain Kevin Pietersen believes the pressure his England side exerted on South Africa left the tourists smarting.
"I know South Africans really well – they don't want to lose," said Durban-raised Pietersen. "But we're putting pressure on their batters, bowling at 90mph – and then our batters are hitting their good deliveries for four and really commanding respect.
"It's definitely hurt them. We're doing a really good job on South Africa – which is great."
Incredibly for a team which has languished in the lower reaches of the official one-day rankings since their inception five years ago, England would leapfrog South Africa into second place with a series whitewash.
