Andrew Flintoff on Saturday reflected on his first England half-century for over 18 months as a justification for his fightback from career-threatening injury.
England all-rounder Flintoff put in his best display since returning from his fourth ankle operation as Kevin Pietersen's team began the Series in style.
His 78 at Headingley on Friday was his first one-day international score in excess of 50 since a match-sealing innings against New Zealand in Hobart in January 2007 - and only his second such score in 31 visits to the crease.
The 30-year-old also chipped in with two wickets at the death to break through the 150-mark in ODIs as South Africa's hopes of returning to the top of the world rankings took an immediate jolt.
"This is a bit better than I have been playing and I have to take it on from here," said Flintoff.
"I have said all along I feel I have a lot to offer.
"With all the ankle operations and all the questions over me if I didn't think I could play this type of cricket I wouldn't have gone through it all again.
"It will only be through performances that ultimately I will be judged."
Entrusted with the number five batting position in the new regime - one which he has enjoyed success in over the years for England - Flintoff's work behind the scenes, particularly with Phil Neale, who has coached him at under-19 and A team level, bore fruit.
It was a stand of 158 with man-of-the-match Pietersen, in fact, which proved crucial in a 20-run victory under the Leeds lights.
The way Pietersen embraced his fourth-wicket partner highlighted the significance of the contribution - both on the day and potentially to the future development of a limited-overs team which has struggled for years.
"I have not scored 50 for a while, so it was nice to stick my bat up, I didn't know what to do!" said a relaxed Flintoff.
"Kevin realises I have worked hard on my batting, and I think he was just as pleased as I was.
"He wants me to play my natural game and the way in which he has seen me bat and knows I can do.
"You can play with no fear, you can play with freedom but you can't be reckless.
"There is a balance for us all to find and hopefully the recklessness is behind me.
"I played to my strengths and was quite calculated in the way I played. Now I have to keep doing that.
"I got a few out of the middle early on and gave myself a chance by looking at a few.
"I have got a sound technique, I feel, and a method which has worked in the past.
"It is just building on that. I have been working with Phil on my balance, making sure my head is not going over, I have two eyes on the ball, and I am playing it late."