Pietersen’s double ton puts England on top in second Ashes Test
Adelaide:England batsman Kevin Pietersen struck an unbeaten double century on Sunday as England built a massive 306-run lead against Australia on day three of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide. Resuming the day at 314-2 in reply to Australia
’s first innings score of 245, England advanced to 551-4 before rain prevented
any play in the post-tea session. Pietersen scored 213 not out off 296 balls in
which he collected a six and 31 fours. It was only the seventh double century
by an England batsman in Australia , and his first century since England ’s tour
of West Indies 18 months ago. Alastair Cook (148) and Pietersen took their stand
to 175 by the time the opener finally got an inside edge behind to a ball from
fast bowler Ryan Harris. It was Cook’s first dismissal in almost 18 hours of batting
since he took guard at the start of his unbeaten 235 in the drawn first Test in
Brisbane . Paul Collingwood (42) and Ian Bell (41 not out) kept Pietersen company
in stands of 101 and an unbeaten 99 respectively. It was the first time England
had passed 500 in successive Ashes innings. Harris (2-84) was clearly the most
accomplished of the Australian bowlers, causing regular problems for the batsmen,
while Doug Bollinger (1-121), Peter Siddle (0-100) and Xavier Doherty (0-120)
were all punished.
