Pietersen smashes century as England plunder Haryana

Ahmedabad, Nov 8 (IANS) Kevin Pietersen smashed 110 runs off 94 balls as England XI plundered the Haryana bowling scoring 408 for three on the first day of their warmup match at the Sardar Patel Stadium here Thursday.

The four-day game is England’s final match before the first Test against India starting here Nov 15.

England sent out a stern message to the Indians with a faultless batting performance on the first day.

Captain Alistair Cook (97) and his opening partner Nick Compton (74) opened the floodgates for the English by stringing together a 166-run stand for the first wicket.

Cook though fell three runs short of a well deserved hundred, succumbing to spinner Jayant Yadav.

Jonathan Trott (46) was the only English batsman not to cross the 50-run mark in what was a dominating display by the top order.

Pietersen was in an aggressive mood as he smashed 16 fours and three sixes in his innings. The South Africa-born cricketer finally retired after which no more English wickets fell.

At the end of day’s play, Ian Bell (57 not out) and Samit Patel (11 not out) were left standing at the crease.

IANS 2012-11-08 19:34:04