Magnificent Flintoff gives England hope of comeback
All-rounder takes four wickets as South Africa restricted to 256-6 on Day Two
Andrew Flintoff produced a devastating bowling spell to lead England’s fightback in the third Test at Edgbaston.
The all-rounder single-handedly ripped through the South Africa middle order to record figures of 4-68 and reduce the tourists to 256-6.
After dominating the morning session, the Proteas threatened to heap further embarrassment on their hosts, having dismissed them for a paltry 231 on day one.
But Flintoff’s intimidating spell, which included a 200th Test wicket, hauled the hosts back into the match – and the series – giving England hope ahead of a crucial day today.
Flintoff’s performance was reminiscent of his glory days in the 2005 Ashes series, but also raised fears among sceptics that, after four operations on his troubled ankle, he might be taking on too much of the burden.
Yet he insists he his happy to continue his bowling spell into this morning’s opening session, which, he believes, could decide the series.“
I want to bowl,” Flintoff said. “If Vaughany wants me to (open on the third day), I’ll be sticking my hand up to do it. I’m moving forward and I feel there’s more to come.
“Tomorrow morning is a huge session in the match and the series. If (Mark) Boucher and (Ashwell) Prince get going they can take the game away from us but 320 wouldn’t be too bad for us. We’re back in this game and we are desperate to finish off their innings in the morning.”
South Africa took advantage of poor early bowling to make inroads into England’s lowly total, with Neil McKenzie and Jacques Kallis leading the charge despite wickets apiece for James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom either side of lunch.
But once Flintoff trapped McKenzie lbw for 72 for his second wicket of the innings, the chest began to puff out. And after a scintillating duel with Kallis, the Lancastrian got his man with a sublime out-swinging yorker which up-rooted the off stump with Kallis looking dangerous on 64.
Flintoff then made light work of AB de Villiers (5) before Prince (37no) and Boucher (11no) left the match finely poised going into the third day.