Flintoff strikes as South Africa struggle

BIRMINGHAM - Andrew Flintoff struck twice as South Africa stumbled in their pursuit of a series-deciding win on the fourth day of the third Test against England at Edgbaston on Saturday.

Needing 281 to win, South Africa were 111 for four at tea.

Flintoff, who first swung the momentum towards England with a fiery spell on the second evening, made vital breakthroughs with full deliveries which the batsmen appeared not to see.

He trapped Neil McKenzie leg before for 22 after McKenzie and South African captain Graeme Smith put on 65 for the first wicket.

McKenzie appeared to lose the ball completely and was ducking when the ball hit him on the boot.

Jacques Kallis also ducked against a ball which struck him on the full on his right thigh in line with the stumps.

Kallis, bowled by a Flintoff yorker in the first innings which he admitted he did not pick up from the bowler's hand as it was delivered against the backdrop of the committee room balcony immediately above the sightscreen, showed his anger as he was given out leg before.

In between Flintoff's two wickets, Hashim Amla was leg before to an arm ball from left-arm spinner Monty Panesar.

Flintoff was rested after taking two for 28 in eight overs but Ashwell Prince was caught behind off James Anderson as South Africa crashed to 93 for four.

Smith survived the carnage and was on 55 not out at tea.