Philander then dismissed tailender Steve Finn for no score to end with figures of 5-30, and seven wickets for the match.

CNN: South Africa topple England from No. 1 Test ranking

It brought Flintoff and Pietersen together at the crease, although the latter survived a scare when taking on Philander's arm at fine leg.

BBC: Pietersen inspires England to win

He holed out in the deep after top-edging a ball from Johan Botha, although Philander initially spilled the catch before gathering at the second attempt.

BBC: Pietersen inspires England to win

No one could have imagined the player Philander would become when he was initially brought into the side in 2007 as an unproven one-day all-rounder.

WSJ: Just One More Peak to Conquer

The magic ingredient that's catalyzed its transformation from a good team into a great one has been the metronomic, intensely skillful bowling of Vernon Philander.

WSJ: Just One More Peak to Conquer

South African paceman Vernon Philander became the fastest man in 116 years to reach 50 Test wickets as New Zealand avoided the follow-on by just one run.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Philander really struggled to time the ball, and when he was run out for 23 in the penultimate over, the tailenders were left needing 27 off the final over.

BBC: Pietersen inspires England to win

Matt Prior, another England player born in South Africa, made a defiant 73 before being the ninth man to fall as he edged a ball from Vernon Philander to captain Graeme Smith.

CNN: South Africa topple England from No. 1 Test ranking

Leaving her at home also left him free to philander, a habit his wife did her best to ignore until he made a pained partial confession as she was recovering from a hysterectomy.

ECONOMIST: A life of pain and sacrifice

The South Africans were able to add 25 in 3.5 overs, Flintoff collecting his third wicket when Vernon Philander sliced to long-off, but although the umpires were keen to complete the innings, the rain was too heavy and the innings had to end five balls before it was due to.

BBC: England maintain perfect record