Pietersen ecstatic after hundred

10 July 2008

Kevin Pietersen lifts Paul Harris for a maximum during his superb innings at Lord's

Kevin Pietersen was thrilled after the Lord’s reception for his Test hundred against his native South Africa, hailing it as “on a par with the 2005 Ashes”.

Pietersen (104 not out) celebrated his 13th century at the highest level, and fourth on this ground, by twice leaping high and punching the air to acknowledge the reaction from a full house at the home of cricket.

His runs rescued England from a significant wobble - three wickets fell for three runs - as he and fourth-wicket partner Ian Bell (75no) shared an unbroken stand of 192 to reach stumps on 309 for three on day one of the four-Test series.

It is three years since Pietersen took his first steps at international level with three hundreds in a one-day international series in South Africa - and it is a little less than three years since his maiden hundred helped England clinch the Ashes in front of a packed Brit Oval.

All those memories came flooding back as he reflected on today’s innings.

“That’s on a par with the 2005 Ashes, walking off after that 158,” he said.

“Today it was the way the crowd and the spectators here at Lord’s appreciated my hundred and supported me - when I walked out to bat they were brilliant - and the way I got my hundred.

“I tried to go back after my first celebration, and the crowd were still celebrating. It’s one of the most emotional two minutes of my career so far. It’s exactly the same feeling I had in the 2005 Ashes.”

Pietersen is not averse to milking applause. But on this occasion, he claims he had no choice.

“The crowd just kept going. I had to pull away again and say thank you and show my appreciation,” he said.

“That makes me feel oh so loved now.”

Pietersen played shots all round the wicket during his 104 not out on day one

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The stage and the opponents were, of course, what made the moment so special for Pietersen.

“Before, there was a lot of speculation about me being originally from South Africa,” he acknowledged.

“But for the crowd to be like they were today was absolutely magnificent. I cannot thank anybody enough for that appreciation and that applause.”

Pietersen was aware when he first set out to play for England, he needed to do something outstanding to win over a possibly sceptical crowd.

“I definitely knew I had to play well at the start of my career to try to get everybody on my side,” he said.

“There was a lot of nonsense - which I expected. But sitting here now I feel as English as anybody. I absolutely love it.”

This was perhaps Pietersen’s crowning moment, but amid the ceremony he managed to spare a word for Bell’s assistance - and the fine behaviour of a South Africa team with whom he has had notable spats in the past.

“All their guys have been brilliant,” he said of Graeme Smith’s tourists.

“The South Africans have been fantastic - I’ve got no problems with any of the players there.

“I’ve never really had any beef with any of the South Africans. It’s totally gone. I get on really well with the South Africans - [12th man] Andre Nel has just given me a big hug.”

As for Bell, Pietersen added: “The way that guy played today was truly remarkable. All the pressure he was under before will be gone - so, so special.

“He played one of the best knocks I’ve ever seen Ian Bell play.”

Pietersen reserved special praise for Ian Bell, who also finished unbeaten having hit a fluent 75

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South Africa’s much-touted seam attack were the ones who suffered, initially in a century opening stand between Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss - and then thanks to Pietersen and Bell.

Among them was Morne Morkel, who took two wickets - and insisted afterwards he had enjoyed himself, despite Pietersen et al.

“It was quite a nice day, but a tough one,” he said.

“It started off all right, but perhaps we tried a bit hard - and it’s just that Kevin Pietersen played an unbelievable knock.”

South Africa hopes were raised briefly and cruelly when England capsized from 114 for none to 117 for three.

Morkel, however, remains an optimist.

“When we got those two or three quick ones we definitely thought we were right back in the game,” he said.

“But tomorrow’s another day, and I definitely think we can pull it back.”