New skipper Pietersen hails English batsmen

KEVIN PIETERSEN paid tribute to Steve Harmison and James Anderson after England confirmed their ascendancy on day two of the final Test against South Africa at The Oval yesterday.

Pietersen marked his debut as captain by smashing a century but it was the batting of Harmison and Anderson, which helped England establish a first-innings lead of 122, which caught the skipper’s eye.

During a 53-run partnership with Anderson, Harmison achieved Test-best figures before he was left 49 not out when Monty Panesar was run out trying to help the recalled fast bowler reach his half-century.