LONDON, Sept 1: Star England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff believes his promotion to No 5 has boosted his form with the bat.

Flintoff starred in Sunday’s seven-wicket win over South Africa in the fourth One-day International at Lord’s scoring 31 not out to add to half centuries at Headingley and The Oval.

After a fourth ankle operation and a side strain Flintoff could hardly score a run for Lancashire at the start of the season but has been lifted by Kevin Pietersen’s decision to move him up the order in one-day cricket.

He said: “It is a stark contrast to the beginning of the season when I was playing for Lancashire and got four ducks. I didn’t know where I was going to score runs.

“But by playing more and more I’ve found my rhythm and I feel more at ease playing international cricket than county cricket.

“When Kevin asked me to bat at No 5 I was delighted — I have had some of my best times going in at five — it give you the chance to get in before the last 10 or 15 overs.”

Flintoff has had so many injury setbacks that he is refusing to go overboard about his current golden spell.—AFP