Red-faced Pietersen gives Aussies edge

Pietersen struck 69 but perished in the evening session when a pre-meditated sweep led to the softest of dismissals. Setting himself for the shot, Pietersen scooped a wide delivery from Nathan Hauritz into the hands of Simon Katich at short-leg.

His departure followed that of fourth-wicket partner Paul Collingwood for 64 as England progressed to 278 for five after winning the toss in the npower series opener.

Collingwood was well held by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, diving to his right, to hand Ben Hilfenhaus a second success and halt a 138-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Pietersen, who experienced discomfort in his right calf, survived scares either side of that partnership-breaking moment.

Umpire Billy Doctrove turned down vociferous appeals for leg before wicket from a fine delivery from Hilfenhaus which tailed in to the right hander and would have gone on to hit middle-stump - perhaps believing some bat was in the equation.

Pietersen was on 61 at the time and he had added only five when Michael Clarke failed to cling on to a low chance at cover, after being lured into a drive outside the off-stump off Hilfenhaus once again.

England were forced into a rebuilding job after three morning wickets provided Australia with the early advantage.