Fourth Test: Pietersen puts England in control

Kevin Pietersen today became only the third England Test captain to score a hundred in his first innings in the job as his team established themselves in a dominant position against South Africa at The Oval.

Pietersen struck an even 100, following in the footsteps of Archie MacLaren and Allan Lamb, as England were dismissed for 316 in the final npower Test of a series they have already lost.

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Paul Collingwood weighed in with 61 and his Durham team-mate Steve Harmison's rejuvenation continued with an unbeaten 49.

Last man Monty Panesar was run out without facing a ball after Harmison pushed into the off side and set off for a single which would have brought up a maiden first-class half-century.

South Africa, adrift by 122 runs on first innings scores, were therefore left to occupy nine overs before the close, light permitting.

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