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KP hails effort of batting duo

23/11/2008

England skipper Kevin Pietersen praised the efforts of Owais Shah and Andrew Flintoff in the 19-run defeat to India in the fourth one-day international.

Shah and Flintoff put on an 82-run partnership as England came close to beating the hosts for the second match running.

Shah was dismissed for 72 off 48 balls while all-rounder Flintoff smashed 41 off 30 balls before England lost under the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Pietersen, whose side are now only playing for pride, said the pair battled superbly.

"The boys gave it a good run. Shah batted well and Freddie helped out with good contributions."

The South African-born batsman added that he is determined to prevent a whitewash.

"We've got to bounce back and make sure we keep this series competitive - we're going to hold our heads up high and get on with trying to win some games of cricket.

"India played fantastic cricket, they played with a lot of freedom, without any fear and with a lot of confidence after beating Australia.

"Somebody in the India line-up tends to come out and do us. Yuvraj has done us on occasions and when Virender Sehwag bats like that it's great to watch but when you're the opposing captain it's very hard work."