Buzzin Cricket

Kevin Pietersen started his reign as England captain with a six-wicket victory in the fourth test against South Africa. Andrew Flintoff hit the winning runs as England picked up a consolation victory in a series where they were beaten 2-1.

Chasing 197 to win on the final day at The Oval, Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook put on 123 for the first wicket to all but secure victory for the home side. However, the run-chase wasn’t without incident. Alistair Cook was dismissed in the 60’s for the ninth time in career before Ian Bell had his leg stump carted out of the ground by Makhaya Ntini. This brought Kevin Pietersen to the crease with many speculating that the script was written for the new captain to hit the winning runs.

Shortly afterwards, Andrew Strauss – who is fighting to keep his place in the side after a disappointing series – departed for 58 as he was caught by Graeme Smith off the bowling of Paul Harris. Despite the flurry of quick wickets, England were still on course for victory and when Kevin Pietersen fell to Paul Harris for 13, only 15 runs were required for victory. The skipper smiled as he walked off, knowing that a test win was round the corner even if it wasn’t to be won in the fairytale way.

As Andrew Flintoff passed Kevin Pietersen on his way to the middle, it was probably the loudest cheer of the day. Kevin Pietersen may well be England’s most popular cricketer in the future, but at the moment, no-one can beat Freddie Flintoff in terms of popularity. Ever the crowd pleaser, the Lancashire all-rounder hit a six off Paul Harris to secure the win for England and finish on 11 not out. Paul Collingwood continued his recent revival, finishing unbeaten on 25 as England secured a comfortable victory.

Overall, South Africa deserved to win the series. I don’t think anyone can have too many complaints about that, these things happen. They were due a win in England after all. England can be optimistic of what the future may bring under the new captaincy though. Kevin Pietersen showed in this test match that he can guide his side to taking twenty wickets and he can still score runs when given the extra responsibility as captain.

Next up on the international calendar is the one-day series between the two sides, which is preceded by a Twenty20 game on the 20th August. In terms of cricket betting, South Africa are undoubtedly favourites to complete a double series victory, but having won the final test match of the summer, Kevin Pietersen’s England will go into the limited over matches in good heart and will want to end the summer on a good note.