Centurion Pietersen defies Australia

LONDON, Monday (Reuters) - Kevin Pietersen rode his luck to defy the collective genius of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne as England clung on their Ashes dream on Monday in an enthralling finale to the fifth and final test.

Pietersen was on 105 not out as the home side, needing a draw at The Oval to win the Ashes for the first time since 1986-87, reached tea on 221 for seven on the final day, an overall lead of 227.

The South Africa-born Pietersen mixed outrageous good fortune - he was dropped before he had scored, and again on 15 and 60 - and extraordinary shot-making to hold the England innings together.

He reached three figures in the final over before tea and danced in delight, both arms in the air as he accepted a standing ovation from the 23,000 capacity crowd at The Oval.

He had faced 124 balls and hit four sixes and 10 fours.

Ashley Giles was six not out.

Earlier, McGrath had prompted England's slide with two wickets in two balls before Warne took over to reduce England ot 127 for five at tea and in danger of defeat.

The leg spinner had taken four for 74 at tea, completing a 10-wicket test match haul for the 10th time.

The game could yet end as a one-day-style run chase, with the Australians certain to go for victory, whatever the target.

Another 49 overs remained after tea, weather permitting. The world champions have won the last eight Ashes series and would retain them if they snatched victory and a 2-2 draw at The Oval. Australia had looked perfectly placed at lunch but Pietersen and the unconvincing Paul Collingwood added 60 together for the sixth wicket to revive English hopes.

Warne has taken 38 wickets in the series and 170 in all against England, surpassing the previous Australian record of 167 by Dennis Lillee.

England captain Michael Vaughan made 45 and Marcus Trescothick 33.