Top 5 Kevin Pietersen knocks in international cricket

#2 158 vs Australia (2005) – Test

The 2005 Ashes was a breakthrough series for Pietersen

The Ashes 2005 was one of the most famous and the best series England and Australia have ever played. That series will also be remembered for unearthing England’s superstar, Kevin Pietersen.

Pietersen made his debut in the first Test of the 2005 Ashes series at Lord’s. He was England’s shining light in that Test as he struck twin fifties (57 and 64 not out) and was the only England batsman who could handle the pressure. Come the fifth Test with England leading 2-1, Pietersen had already scored 301 runs in 4 Test matches.

In the fifth Test, England batted first after winning the toss and posted 373. Australia, in reply, reached 367. With the Ashes on the line and England reeling at 67/3, Pietersen produced one of the most memorable Ashes hundreds. He counter-attacked and scored freely against the likes of Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Shaun Tait.

Pietersen scored 158 and denied Australia a shot at victory as the game ended in a draw.