Pietersen revives England

FAISALABAD – Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell steered England close to safety with contrasting centuries in the second Test against Pakistan yesterday.

Ashes hero Pietersen hammered a 137-ball 100 and Bell a watchful 115 as England reached 391-7 in their first innings at stumps on the third day in reply to Pakistan’s 462. Ashley Giles (23) and Shaun Udal (six) were the not-out batsmen when bad light stopped play with 12 overs remaining.England began the day on a shaky 113-3 before Bell and Pietersen restored their team’s fortunes, with each batsman making his second Test century.They added 154 for the fourth wicket to deny Pakistan a breakthrough for nearly three hours, batting confidently against both pace and spin on an easy-paced track.- Nampa-AFPAshley Giles (23) and Shaun Udal (six) were the not-out batsmen when bad light stopped play with 12 overs remaining.England began the day on a shaky 113-3 before Bell and Pietersen restored their team’s fortunes, with each batsman making his second Test century.They added 154 for the fourth wicket to deny Pakistan a breakthrough for nearly three hours, batting confidently against both pace and spin on an easy-paced track.- Nampa-AFP