Pietersen lashes England ton to put summer of discontent behind him

Thursday, November 8, 2012
11:31 AM

Kevin Pietersen struck a comeback century against a modest Haryana attack at the Sardar Patel Stadium B Ground as England gorged themselves on runs ahead of the first Test with India.

The Surrey maverick (110 retired out) was joined by Essex ace Alastair Cook (97), Nick Compton (74) and Ian Bell in passing 50 as England took advantage of favourable circumstances to rack up more than 400 on day one of their final warm-up match.

The ease of their victory will arguably offer little in terms of actual preparation for the upcoming four-Test series, but it should act as a confidence boost for both Pietersen and new Test opener elect Compton.

After he and Cook had eased through the gears, Pietersen was increasingly dominant in only his second England innings since his well-chronicled controversial summer and subsequent reintegration.

His century from only 86 balls contained 14 fours and three sixes and should help to continue what has been a smooth return so far after his contract wrangles and other troubles.