The Ashes 2013: 4th Test, Day 3 - Heroes of the Day

Kevin Pietersen (44 runs off 84 balls – 6 fours)

England batsman Kevin Pietersen picks up some runs during day three of 4th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Emirates Durham ICG on August 11, 2013 in Chester-le-Street, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The maverick batsman was quite content to play second fiddle to Ian Bell as the two went about repairing the early damage caused by Aussie pacer Ryan Harris. He looked to be in imperious touch, scoring consecutive boundaries off a surprisingly wayward Peter Siddle, and even enjoyed a slice of luck with Haddin missing a stumping chance off Nathan Lyon.

KP fell to the Aussie off-spinner after attempting to flick him over the leg side, probably targeting mid-wicket or deep square leg; the resulting edge was safely taken by Chris Rogers. However, he and Bell had already laid the platform for England’s ever-swelling lead. A fine innings under the circumstances!