India wins series 1-0 after draw
LONDON: Kevin Pietersen's 10th test century helped England survive for a draw in the third test at The Oval on Monday against India, who still claimed a rare series victory outside Asia 1-0.
England, set an unlikely 500 to win, reached 369 for six at the close with Matt Prior 12 not out and Ryan Sidebottom on three.
Pietersen scored a dashing 101 from 159 balls and Ian Bell made 67 from just 62 before getting out five overs from the end to set up a nervous finish for the hosts.
Shanthakumaran Sreesanth took three for 53, but India was unable to take the 10 wickets it required on the final day.
It became the first Indian team to win a test series in England for 21 years, emulating Kapil Dev's side in 1986.
It was India's fourth test series win on tour against major opposition in 21 years. It also won in Sri Lanka in 1993, Pakistan 2004 and West Indies in 2006.
India won the second test at Trent Bridge after the first at Lord's was drawn.
India's victory push at The Oval was set up by its first innings 664, its highest total against England, after winning the toss. Spinner Anil Kumble scored 110 not out for his maiden test hundred, which, surprisingly was India's only three-figure score in the three matches.
England replied with 345 before Rahul Dravid decided not to enforce the follow-on and instead India amassed 180 for six and declared to take time out of the match and protect his team's series advantage. This may have cost his side a 2-0 victory.
Agencies
(China Daily 08/15/2007 page23)
