Alastair Cook likely saved his place in the team by returning to form with a much-needed century that steered England to 194-3 and a lead of 119 runs against Pakistan at tea on day three of the third test on Friday.
Cook was out for 110, leaving Jonathan Trott 36 not out and Kevin Pietersen on 23.
Cook faced 173 balls and struck 16 boundaries, while combining in a crucial third-wicket stand of 116 with Trott in England’s second innings at The Oval.
Left-handed opener Cook played with aggression and abandoned the anxiety that he brought into the innings after his worst-ever run of form threatened his place, having endured eight innings without reaching 30.
He reached his 100 in bizarre fashion when he defended a ball from Mohammad Asif, who then picked up and threw over the wicketkeeper’s head to the boundary, giving Cook his century with overthrows, sparking laughter among the batsmen and cheers from the capacity crowd.
There were no wild celebrations from the relieved Cook, just a rueful smile and a happy acknowledgment towards his teammates and the applauding spectators. He was dismissed to a catch down the leg side off Wahab Riaz, but received a standing ovation for his 13th test century.
Trott, who has faced 125 deliveries, played a subdued innings and was happy to support Cook, who contributed 78 on reaching their 100 partnership. Pietersen, though, was intent on attack and took three fours off one Asif over before tea.
Pakistan, 2-0 down in the four-match series, need to win here and the final test at Lord’s next week to salvage a series draw. England is seeking a seventh straight test victory.
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