Flintoff return delights Fletcher

Flintoff bowled five overs for 27 runs

England captain Andrew Flintoff has suffered no reaction from his first bowling efforts since ankle surgery.

He bowled five overs in two spells and although he did not take any wickets he was averaging an encouraging 85mph.

England coach Duncan Fletcher said: "I asked him 'how did you go?' and he said he felt very comfortable.

"I am sure he could have bowled more overs so that is very good news. It is huge for us because we can balance the side better."

Fletcher was also pleased Kevin Pietersen got some much-needed runs under his belt after a lean spell with the bat.

Batting at number five, he smashed an unbeaten 90, his first half-century in nine ODI attempts, and guided England to a three-wicket win over West Indies in the ICC Champions Trophy.

"Getting runs anywhere will stand you in good stead after you haven't got many," Fletcher said.

"To get those runs like that, back to what he was before, is bound to give him a lot of confidence.

"It was good to see him play like I believe he should. He showed a little bit of patience early on and built his innings.

"We showed him some videos of what happened in South Africa when he took his time and batting at number five is useful for him.

"He was able to get momentum towards the end of his innings and he did that again here."