Pietersen hits century on captain debut

By Clare Lovell

LONDON (Reuters) - Kevin Pietersen celebrated his first innings as England captain with a century, leading the hosts to a 122-run first-innings lead over South Africa on the second day of the fourth test at The Oval on Friday.

South Africa, bowled out for 194 in the first innings, were 37 for one at the close in reply to England's 316.

James Anderson trapped skipper Graeme Smith lbw for nought in the first over. Neil McKenzie was nine not out at stumps and Hashim Amla unbeaten on 26.

The swashbuckling Pietersen, five days into the skipper's job, rode his luck and was dropped twice but also hit 15 fours before falling for 100.

He was removed by paceman Makhaya Ntini, who finished with five for 94.

South Africa fought back after tea, capturing six wickets for 84 runs despite a lively cameo from recalled Steve Harmison.

The Durham paceman followed up Thursday's fine bowling display with 49, his highest test score, and shared a 53-run ninth-wicket partnership with Anderson (13).

A spell of three for 15 from Jacques Kallis after tea removed Andrew Flintoff (nine), Paul Collingwood (61) and Tim Ambrose (four).