Kevin Pietersen has credited his defensive work as the reason for his 186 against India.

The 32-year-old hit his 22nd century for England to leave the tourists in a strong position at the end of day three.

The Surrey batsman told Sky Sports News: "We've come out here to try and win, and we wanted to front up here.

"I trusted my defence more than in Ahmedabad and, if you don't trust your defence, then you try too many things and you try to force the issue.

"I put in some hard work on it, as I do, and luckily it paid off. When you get happy with your defence as a batter, you go out there not worried about being knocked over or trying to do something silly."

At the close of play, India were 117-7 in their second innings, just 31 ahead of England, with Monty Panesar taking 5-61.

Written by
Sian Cowper