Birthday special: Kevin Pietersen – His top 3 Test knocks
There isn’t a better sight in cricket than watching Kevin Pietersen middling a pull shot through mid-wicket. The Englishman was one of the most stylish and eye-pleasing stroke makers of the 21st century. An aggressive batter by nature, Pietersen had a knack for playing big innings for his team in dire situations. As the former English cricketer turns 42 today, we take a look at some of his most memorable batting performances in Tests.
202* against India, Lords, 2011
England hosted India for the Test series opener at the iconic Lord’s stadium in 2011. England were in a bit of trouble early in the innings after losing Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook for low scores. That is when Kevin Pietersen walked in at the crease and started playing his shots. While most of the other batters failed to contribute, the flamboyant batter kept going from one end and notched up a scintillating double ton. England ran out comfortable victors by 196 runs on the back of Pietersen’s efforts.
226 against West Indies, Headingley, 2007
England faced West Indies in the second Test in Leeds after drawing the series opener at Lords. The English players showed more intent in this game, and it was evident by a young Kevin Pietersen’s mindboggling innings, who registered his maiden Test double ton as he finished with 226 runs in 262 deliveries. His innings helped England post a massive total of 570 on the board, which proved a bit too much for the visitors as England won the match by an innings and 283 runs.
227 against Australia, Adelaide, 2010
England were down under for their Ashes series and faced Australia in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval. Australia won the toss and elected to bat first in hopes of putting a big score on the board at a lively surface. But the English bowlers restricted the hosts to just 245 runs. The English batters then piled the misery on the Aussie bowlers as they posted a humongous tally of 620 runs on the scoreboard in their reply. Kevin Pietersen was the tormentor in chief for the Kangaroos as he recorded 227 runs against a hapless Australian bowling lineup. England won the match by an innings and 71 runs and took a 1-0 lead in the Ashes series.
