Pietersen leads England charge

9:07pm Friday 8th August 2008

Kevin Pietersen became only the third England Test captain to score a hundred in his first innings in the job - as his side pushed for victory at the Brit Oval.

Pietersen struck an even 100, following in the footsteps of Archie MacLaren and Allan Lamb, as England were dismissed for 316 in the final npower Test.

Fast bowler James Anderson then got one to swing back in to Proteas captain Graeme Smith to earn a leg before decision as the tourists closed on 37 for one, a deficit of 85 runs.

In addition to Pietersen's 14th Test ton, Paul Collingwood weighed in with 61 while his Durham team-mate Steve Harmison's rejuvenation continued with an unbeaten 49.

Last man Monty Panesar was run out without facing a ball after Harmison pushed into the off-side and set off for a single which would have brought up a maiden first-class 50.

Makhaya Ntini was the pick of the bowlers for the tourists, taking five for 94 and was well supported by all-rounder Jacques Kallis (3-51).

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