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Pietersen overjoyed with century against South Africa

10/07/2008

A jubilant Kevin Pietersen described his century against South Africa at Lords today as "one of the most special days in my career".

The South African born batsman struck 13 fours and a huge six to finish the day unbeaten on 104 as England closed on 309/3.

"It was my first Test against South Africa, obviously a very emotional time for me," said Pietersen, who hit his 13th Test hundred.

"To walk away this evening with 104 makes it one of the most special days in my career.

"Today ranks right up there. The crowd clapped and clapped when I got my hundred, and when I went down to bat again they were still clapping. That was one of the most emotional minutes of my life."

Pietersen was born and brought up in South Africa, but left in 2000 after he became tired of the quota system which made it difficult for him to break through into the national team.

He came to Nottinghamshire and made his England debut in South Africa in a one-day series in 2004 and hit three centuries – although a partisan South African crowd gave him a torrent of abuse.

Pietersen also once described South Africa captain Graeme Smith as a "muppet" after the two had a falling out.

But Pietersen insisted today that he had nothing to prove to anybody and that he loved the game of cricket and loved playing for England.