MANCHESTER: Kevin Pietersen's first century of this Ashes series helped see England to within sight of avoiding the follow-on in the third Test against Australia at Old Trafford on Saturday.
At the close of the third day, England were 294 for seven -- still 233 runs behind -- after Pietersen had made 113.
Matt Prior was six not out and Stuart Broad nine not out, with England now needing just 34 more runs to make Australia bat again in a match the tourists, 2-0 down with three to play, have to win to stand any chance of regaining the Ashes.
The hundred was Pietersen's 23rd in 97 Tests -- but first at this level at Old Trafford -- and left him two shy of the England Test century record of 25 held by Alastair Cook.
It came almost a year to the day since Pietersen's Test hundred against his native South Africa at Headingley, after which he was briefly dropped from the England side for sending texts allegedly critical of then England captain Andrew Strauss to Proteas players.
Together with Ian Bell, who made an elegant 60, Pietersen put on 115 for the fifth wicket and 52 for the sixth with Jonny Bairstow (22).
Ashes-holders England resumed Saturday on 52 for two after Australia had declared at 527 for seven on the back of captain Michael Clarke's 187. (AFP)
