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Pietersen hails "superstar" Flintoff

23/08/2008

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff is a "superstar" according to captain Kevin Pietersen, who hailed the Lancastrian's efforts in England's one-day international win over South Africa.

Flintoff and Pietersen enjoyed a partnership of 158 that helped the home side up the scoring rate in the second half of their innings and put them in a winning position.

The all-rounder smashed 78 off 70 balls before claiming 2-46 and cleaning up the South African tail to finish the match.

Flintoff, in tandem with Steve Harmison, managed to bowl tightly towards the end of the game and put pressure on the South African batsmen which helped turn the match in England's favour.

Pietersen said: "The man is a superstar. Some people are born into this world who are just superstars and the ability he has with that cricket ball when he bowls is just second to none. It's absolutely phenomenal.

"He can bowl in practice with one arm and still hit a length and I'm fortunate to have a bloke like that who I can ask to knock the stumps over at the death. He bowls those kind of deliveries at the death - he's brilliant."

Flintoff has been missed in England's one-day side and they have slipped to sixth in the ICC rankings in his absence.

Yesterday's match was the all-rounder's most complete display for England since returning from the side injury that ruled him out for all of last season.

His 78 was his first half-century since scoring 72 against New Zealand in Hobart on the Ashes tour 18 months ago.