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LONDON - Kevin Pietersen believes his 134 that ensured England were well placed for victory on the penultimate day of the first cricket test against India was the best of his nine test hundreds so far.
It was Pietersen's third test century at Lord's and although he has six higher test scores, his wild celebrations upon securing three figures showed how much this ton meant to him.
"I would probably rate that as number one," said Pietersen. "The conditions were as testing as I have known in test cricket or county cricket.
"You could see by my celebrations how happy I was. That was a really difficult day for batting, last night and this morning. After lunch the conditions were a bit better."
Pietersen's comments were indicative of the quality bowling from Rudra Pratap Singh, who took a test best five for 59 and Zaheer Khan, who claimed four for 79.
He raced from his lunch score of 62 to 103 in just 30 deliveries, dominating a crucial century partnership with Matt Prior.
"I like to entertain and have fun," said Pietersen. "But setting my team up in a test match is always the most important thing to me."
By the close India were 137 for three chasing 380 for victory.
Pietersen defended his comments before the match that he was feeling jaded because of England's relentless schedule. He suggested that whatever state he was in, it would not impact on his performance.
"Every single time I turn up for an international ... I am always committed and my preparations are instrumental to the way I perform. I've never shied away from work."
- REUTERS
