Pietersen Goes Big As England Dominate

Pietersen Goes Big As England Dominate

Kevin Pietersen scored an unbeaten 213 to hand England a huge lead in Adelaide

©Action Images / Jason O'Brien Livepic

Pietersen Goes Big As England Dominate

Play was suspended due to rain late in the day at the Adelaide Oval

©Action Images / Jason O'Brien Livepic

Australia 245 (Hussey 93, Haddin 56) v
England 551-4 (Pietersen 213no)
Second Ashes Test, Adelaide, day three
Scorecard

England built a commanding lead of 306 runs over Australia on day three of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide after Kevin Pietersen batted through the day to reach 213 not out.

His first century in 17 Tests enabled England to close on 551 for four in reply to Australia's first-innings effort of 245 as England lost just two wickets during the day's play.

The first of those came relatively early on when Alastair Cook's marathon run of batting came to an end, an inside edge from Ryan Harris being well caught by Brad Haddin behind the stumps.

At the time of his dismissal, Cook had been on the field of play for all but 11 overs of the series following his innings of 67 and 235 not out in Brisbane.

Cook and Pietersen extended their third-wicket partnership to 175 and Pietersen moved quickly and effortlessly to his 17th Test century and he continued to dominate the bowling throughout the day.

He put on 101 for the fourth wicket with Paul Collingwood, who made 42 in 70 balls and the partnership with Ian Bell, unbeaten on 41 at stumps, had reached 99 when rain forced an early end to the day's play.

Pietersen had faced 296 balls, hitting some 32 fours and one six.

England had resumed the day on 317 for two having bowled Australia out cheaply on the opening day.

The first Test in Brisbane was drawn.

© Cricket World 2010

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