Pietersen ton but India win series

LONDON, England -- Kevin Pietersen scored his 10th Test century as England battled to a draw against India on the final day of the Third Test at The Oval.

Needing an unlikely 500 for victory, England were 369 for six wickets by the close, leaving India to celebrate a 1-0 series win, their first in England since 1986.

"It makes me feel proud to be captain of this team. Everyone has really contributed to the victory," said Indian skipper Rahul Dravid.

"It's a fitting tribute after so many years to go home with a victory. It's what we came here for and we deserve it. Hats off to the boys, they had a great series."

For England the draw meant the end of a six-year unbeaten run in home Test series, encompassing eight wins and three draws in 11 campaigns, since they lost the 2001 Ashes.

England captain Michael Vaughan said: "Full credit to India they really put us under pressure from the first sessions. Rahul and his team deserve their victory.

"I'm really proud of how the team fought to get the draw. India just pipped it in the end. But we have to take positives. Our team is relatively young and learning fast. We just have to go away now and analyze the mistakes we've made."

Pietersen, who made 101, was involved in an unsavory clash with man of the match Anil Kumble, who had scored his maiden Test century in India's massive 664 first innings.

The pair exchanged angry words after leg-spinner Kumble believed that Pietersen had deliberately impeded him as he tried to field off his own bowling.

"He's a fierce competitor," said Pietersen of Kumble. "I was ball-watching and I think I just got in his way."

Dravid added: "Anil can get quite wound up. There's no prouder man than when he walks on the field for India."

It proved a rare moment of passion on a day that fizzled out once England's admittedly slim hopes of victory all but disappeared with the loss of openers Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook in the morning session.

Pietersen and captain Michael Vaughan steadied the ship with a stand of 66 until Vaughan wafted Shanthakumaran Sreesanth to slip.

Paul Collingwood then joined up with Pietersen in a century stand that effectively took the game out of India's reach.

Sreesanth trapped Collingwood leg before wicket for 40 but Pietersen carried on the fight and reached his latest landmark in the same over in which he was dismissed by the paceman.

A clip through midwicket did the trick, but he was caught behind for 101 to give India some late hope.

Despite brief excitement among the strong Indian contingent in a healthy crowd, the contest petered out as Ian Bell and Matt Prior negotiated most of the final hour.

When Bell, who contributed a quickfire 67, fell attempting a sweep to Anil Kumble, there were only 28 deliveries remaining and Prior and Ryan Sidebottom survived. E-mail to a friend