I have never shied away from playing for England, says ton-hitter

London, July 23 (UNI) Kevin Pietersen hit back at critics who questioned his committment and claims of fatigue by declaring, ''I will never shy away from anything for my country'' to win match.

Pietersen smashed an exceptional 134 to take his team to a commanding position in the first Test match at Lords.

Following his poor run during the one-day series against the Windies, in which England lost 3-0, KP had created controversy by claiming mental fatigue due to the demands of the international cricket - comments which prompted criticism of his work for sponsorships and endorsements.

But after Pietersen let his bat do the talking, smashing his ninth Test hundred to propel England to a 379-run lead, he emphasised his commitment.

''Everybody is entitled to their own opinion and it got blown up,'' he said. ''I've never shied away from anything. I will always turn up for England.

''I'm committed to everything I do for this country and everything I do for this team to try and win a Test match or win a one-day game.

''My preparation is everything to me and the way I perform.

It goes without saying that I'm as happy as I can be and all my celebrations were because of everything that had gone into this Test match as well,'' he added.

Pietersen caused the controversy by claiming he was tired and then took a mini-break in the south of France with his fiancee Jessica.

''I've never asked for a day off, ever. As long as I'm asked to play for England, I will play for England and that's the bottom line.

One of the biggest hitters of a cricket ball among the present lot, Pietersen says ''I play to entertain, I play to enjoy myself and I play to express myself, but I think the most important thing is to set the team up to win a Test match.

''That's why I gave my wicket away trying to get a few more runs. I could quite easily have still been batting now, but I put the team first.'' India were left with a 380-run victory margin, which if they were to reach would be the highest successful fourth-innings chase at Lord's, eclipsing the 344 for one recorded by West Indies in 1984.

India are 137 for three with Lords snooty' Sourav Ganguly and opener Dinesh Kartick at the crease.

It would also be India's highest successful fourth innings total, beating the 264 for three scored at Kandy against Sri Lanka in 2001-2.

Left-arm seamer Rudra Pratap Singh - who ended up on the Lord's honours board, a feat not even achieved by Sachin Tendulkar and captain Rahul Dravid, after finishing with five for 59, said of Pietersen, ''He's a very good batsman who hits hard, so it's a real challenge for any bowler - I just tried to change my pace or bowl a few bouncers at him.

He, however, is still optimistic about India's chances.

''India have a good chance yet because we have made some progress and (Sourav) Ganguly and (Dinesh) Karthik are playing well.'' RP Singh said.

UNI