Dream match continues for Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen struck a half-century in his first innings as Test captain as England eroded South Africa's lead at The Brit Oval.

Pietersen brought up his landmark with a short-arm jab for four off Makhaya Ntini in the sixth over after lunch on the second day of the final Test of the npower series.

Pietersen, who oversaw England's dismissal of the Proteas for 194 yesterday, was unbeaten on 50 in a score of 148 for three.

He made his way to the middle for the fifth ball of a delayed second morning.

Morning showers prevented play beginning until 11.30am and moments later Ian Bell was heading back to the pavilion.

Bell, promoted to number three following Michael Vaughan's decision to step down as captain, hung his bat outside off-stump at Ntini and Graeme Smith held a low catch at slip.

Alastair Cook was also dismissed by Ntini before lunch.