Kevin Pietersen yesterday gave a fitting reply to all his critics who roasted him in the SMS-related controversy a few months ago. While many English fans at the Wankhede Stadium sulked as he dazzled with his stroke play, the Indian fans were mesmerised with ‘reintegrated’ Pietersen on Day Three yesterday.

From the outset, Pietersen maintained his aggression and never allowed the bowlers to dominate his game at any point. Unbeaten on 62 on Day Two, Pietersen started off swiftly. There was no fanfare on reaching his 100, just a simple raise-of-the-bat pointing towards the dressing room and then acknowledging the crowd support.