I love saving my country, insists Kevin Pietersen as he leaps to England's rescue

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

He shared a sixth-wicket stand of 161 with wicket-keeper Tim Ambrose, turning the match on its head after Kyle Mills and Iain O'Brien had ripped through England's top order on day one of the third npower Test.

Smartin¿ Martin: the Kiwi bowler looks on as KP celebrates his ton

By the close, Michael Vaughan's team had reached 273-7 and Pietersen was delighted by his heroic contribution.

"We were staring down the barrel," he admitted. "But it is those kind of times I like to stand up for England. I did it at Napier when we were 30-odd for four and I did it in the Ashes Test (at The Oval in 2005).

"I like to score runs when it counts, when the team is down in the dumps. It is something I pride myself on - standing up to be counted when the going gets tough. To me, it is a sign of character."

Ian Bell and Paul Collingwood were both out for ducks but Pietersen rushed to their defence, saying: "During tea, I saw a list of the leading run-scorers in county cricket and all I can say is that none of them can touch Belly or Colly."