Flintoff left high and dry

Flintoff showed signs of his very best in hitting an unbeaten 36 only for two inept run-outs in consecutive balls to terminate the innings.

England's attempts to level the npower series, which South Africa currently lead 1-0, began positively after captain Michael Vaughan won the toss, but once the opening stand of 68 was severed by Andrew Strauss' stray boot - which contributed in a hit wicket dismissal - England lost regular wickets in worrying echoes from the loss in Leeds.

Flintoff, featuring in only his second Test match since returning from an 18-month lay-off, was forced into a repair job with Tim Ambrose after six wickets tumbled inside the first two sessions.

Both Flintoff and Ambrose played with restraint in the circumstances, although an apologetic defensive push from the latter saw them separated following a 19-over alliance.

Although opener Alastair Cook and Ian Bell, on his home ground, struck half-centuries, England's batsmen once again folded after the first half-dozen overs tumbled for 138 and 152 in the 10-wicket defeat at Headingley.

Left with only the tail for company, Flintoff cracked a four and a six off consecutive Makhaya Ntini deliveries but the innings ended in the same over.

Flintoff's call for a sharp single led to the sacrifice of James Anderson before Monty Panesar inexplicably called for two, after turning to long leg, and was a yard short when wicketkeeper Mark Boucher confirmed his demise from Hashim Amla's throw.