The Ashes 2013 – 3rd Test, Day 3: Kevin Pietersen's century keeps England afloat

Kevin Pietersen scored his 23rd international Test century

Starting the day with a lead of 475 runs, Australia’s bowlers made further inroads into the England batting line up as Ryan Harris picked up Jonathan Trott for just 5 runs and Mitchell Starc accounted for Alastair Cook who had added 26 more runs to his overnight tally of 36.

However, Ian Bell combined with Kevin Pietersen to put together 115 runs for the 5th wicket. Both the players brought up their fifties and just when they looked set for a big partnership, Ryan Harris dismissed Ian Bell for 60 runs.

While Pietersen brought up his 23rd international Test century, he was unable to get any concrete support from the other end as Jonny Bairstow did not last long either.

With only eight overs remaining for the day, Starc got his third wicket of the match by sending back Pietersen for a very fine knock of 113 runs off 206 deliveries. Stuart Broad and Matt Prior saw off the day which ended with England on 294 for the loss of seven wickets. With the pitch still remaining quite good to bat on, unless it breaks up, the match looks to be coasting towards a dull draw.