Charmed life for Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen led a charmed life as England rode their luck in the third Test against Pakistan at Headingley.

Pietersen, who registered another half-century, was given not out off an inside edge and also caught behind off a no-ball as Andrew Strauss' men progressed to 203 for four after winning the toss.

A period of rebuilding became necessity after Alastair Cook succumbed on the stroke of lunch, scooping a return catch to Umar Gul, to improve the mood of the tourists. Paul Collingwood contributed 31 before he was caught by Taufeeq Umar off Gul.

England lost both openers in quick succession during the morning session as Pakistan clawed their way back into the contest following the flow of 64 runs in the first hour.

Both captain Strauss - who won the toss - and Marcus Trescothick perished shortly afterwards, however.

Trescothick was first to go as he jabbed back down the pitch to Mohammad Sami, who clung on at the second attempt.

Then, in the next over, the 17th of the innings, Strauss was undone by one which angled across him from veteran Shahid Nazir and found its way to Younis Khan at second slip.

Cook was fortunate that an inside edge was not seen by the umpire - but he was was unable to make the most of his second chance.