Freddie points to KP influence

Andrew Flintoff has pinpointed Kevin Pietersen's influence as crucial for England's continuing success against South Africa.

The Lancashire all-rounder continued his fine form with a man-of-the-match performance in the seven-wicket win at Lord's, giving England a 4-0 lead in the five-match series. In a rain-affected match, Flintoff turned the match in England's favour by taking three wickets for 21 off his seven overs, before smashing 31 off just 12 balls to help his side to reach a revised target of 137 with over two overs to spare. Pietersen, who had scored 40, had tried to play down his own contribution by suggesting the recent success 'has nothing to do with me', but Flintoff has given the skipper much of the credit. The 30-year-old said: "Kevin's being modest, I think. "The dressing room is different. KP is confident and that rubs off us all. "We had some great times with (previous captain) Michael (Vaughan), but this dressing room is slightly different. "As long as we keep working hard, I'm sure we can be a successful team."