Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Kevin Pietersen took the lead role in his own drama on Friday to help England close on 347 for six after the first day of the third Test against Pakistan.
The South Africa-born batsman rode his luck to complete his fifth Test century before retiring hurt with cramp in his left forearm at Headingley.
Ian Bell, having hit centuries in each of the first two games of the series, was on 66 not out. Matthew Hoggard was dismissed with the final ball of the day by fast bowler Umar Gul, who took four for 73. Pietersen, on 104 not out, was set to resume his innings on Saturday. England lead the four-match series 1-0.
The home side, who were 110 for three at lunch, dominated the afternoon until Paul Collingwood threw away his wicket after helping to put on 82 for the fourth wicket.
The first hour at Headingley was all England after they opted to bat, reaching 67 without alarm by the first drinks break, but Pakistan hit back with two wickets in five balls without conceding a run, then removed Alastair Cook with the last ball of the morning.
Mohammad Sami had looked innocuous in his opening spell from the Football Stand End, Marcus Trescothick helping himself to a boundary in his first over and Andrew Strauss to two more in the second with a delicious square cut and a flick to square leg.
Sami8217;s end change, however, changed everything. Trescothick, having hit six fours in his 28, drove on the up at Sami and the return catch was taken on second attempt. Trescothick has not made a 50 in his last eight innings.
8211;Tony Lawrence
