Pietersen ton rocks Boks in a ‘special day’
Kevin Pietersen has hailed his century against South Africa yesterday as one of the most special days of his career.
Facing the country of his birth in a Test match for the first time, Pietersen smashed 13 fours and a six in a magical unbeaten 104, which put England in control of the first Test at Lord’s.
Pietersen became a target of South Africans by turning his back on his homeland in 2000 and was the subject of some verbal goading from Proteas wicketkeeper Mark Boucher as he walked out to the crease.
But after an early run-out scare, he enjoyed the last laugh by producing the innings of his life to bring the Lord’s crowd to its feet.
“That there for me is one of the best minutes of my life playing this game of cricket,” the Hampshire batsman said. “I loved it. It is absolutely amazing to hear that at Lord’s and to get that sort of reception.
“I cannot thank every single person in here today enough, that was one of the most amazing, special days of my life.”
Pietersen’s 13th Test century helped put England in control after three wickets fell in the space of 13 balls after lunch – this after lefthanded openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook had put on 114 for the first wicket. Strauss was unlucky to be given lbw by umpire Daryl Harper for 44 from a Morne Morkel delivery, before captain Michael Vaughan was clean bowled third ball by Dale Steyn for two.
Cook went the very next over after looping a Morkel delivery to second slip but Pietersen and Bell took control from there, putting on an unbroken 192 for the fourth wicket to leave South African captain Graeme Smith with plenty to think about.