Pietersen’s double troubles Australia

Kevin Pietersen becomes fifth Englishman to score double century in Australia as England’s lead ballooned to 306 runs.

ADELAIDE: Kevin Pietersen became the fifth Englishman to score a double century in Australia as England’s lead ballooned to 306 runs on the third day of the second Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval.

The number four showman relished his return to the ground where he last hammered a big century to continue England’s relentless accumulation of runs to plunder the home attack.

When rain washed out play after tea England were 551 for four with Pietersen on a majestic 213 and Ian Bell providing solid support on 41.

“I think rain, no rain there’s a really good chance that we can win this Test match,” said Pietersen.

“We believe there’s enough time to win the Test match.”

Pietersen joined teammates Alastair Cook and Paul Collingwood, Walter Hammond (3) and Reg Foster as English double-centurions in Australia.

In doing so Pietersen broke through for his first Test century in 28 innings since his 102 against the West Indies at Port-of-Spain in March last year.

Pietersen was in virtuoso form, clubbing 31 fours and jumping down the wicket to launch a six off the hapless spinner Xavier Doherty in his chanceless knock.

“It’s wonderful to get runs, and it’s wonderful to put the team in a position where we can win a Test match in Australia,” said Pietersen.

“I really do believe we are in a really strong position in this game and to get the team into a position like this and to get the wear into their bowlers again and for a couple of us to go and enjoy ourselves was great.”

Four years ago Pietersen scored 158 and Collingwood 206 in a record stand of 310 in England’s first innings 551 for six declared - the tourists were coincidentally on the same total Sunday against a despairing home attack.

Cook’s occupation of the crease earlier ended on 148 in the 97th over when he inside edged paceman Ryan Harris to wicket-keeper Brad Haddin.

The Adelaide crowd rose to their feet to cheer Cook from the field after his 15th Test century and third against Australia.

Collingwood was the other England wicket to fall when he was trapped in front lbw by Shane Watson for 42 ending a 101-run stand with Pietersen.

Australia, drained by their second day in the field, looked bereft of ideas to contain England’s remorseless run chase with skipper Ricky Ponting attempting to dry up the scoring with some unorthodox field placements.

Watson said Australia’s batsmen would have to be at the top of their game to save the Test.

“We are way behind in the game, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “And we’ve only got ourselves to blame. So far we have been totally outplayed.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 6^th, 2010.