KP hails "superstar" Freddie

Pietersen and Flintoff at the crease

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Skipper Kevin Pietersen hailed the performance of Andrew Flintoff in England's one-day triumph over South Africa, labelling the Lancastrian all-rounder a "superstar".

Pietersen himself was named man-of-the-match in the victory at Headingley after smashing an unbeaten 90 with the bat and following it with two wickets with the ball.

However, he was quick to heap praise on Flintoff with whom he shared a crucial fourth-wicket partnership of 158.

Flintoff contributed 78 from 70 balls in what was easily his most impressive innings of the summer to date and looked back to something like his swashbuckling best with the bat in hand.

He then went on to return figures of 2-46 as England bowled out the tourists for 255 to secure a 20-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Flintoff was particularly impressive as he returned to knock over South Africa's tail with some searing yorkers at the death and his all round display had captain Pietersen in raptures.

"The man is a superstar," Pietersen stated. "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 and he bowls those kind of deliveries at the death - he's brilliant."