Ashes Bet

England went into the final Test Match of the 2005 Ashes series knowing that if they could hold on for a draw, they would regain the Ashes for the first time in 16 years, the home side led the series, 2-1 and it was Ricky Ponting's men who need to try and force a victory if they were to have any chance of retaining, that famous little urn.

At the start of Day 5 England had 9 wickets in hand by the home side had a very slender lead, so it appeared as thought Michael Vaughan's men would bat in a sedate manner in order to secure the draw which they and their fans craved for.

The Australians however are renowned for their fighting spirit and never say die attitude, and the tourists picked up 4 wickets before lunch in very quick time to leave England struggling, it seemed at this stage, as though Australia might just sneak up from behind, on England, win the Test and as a result retain the Ashes.

Pietersen should have been the 5th English batsman to be dismissed before lunch, but Shane Warne dropped what seemed to be a straightforward chance at first slip.

The drop proved to be a costly one, as Pietersen started to flay Australia's bowlers all around the Oval as he launched a stinging counter attack with some blistering stroke play.

Pietersen who made his Test debut at the start of the series, went on to make his maiden Test century, and he went on to make a sensational 158, and although he was bowled by Glenn McGrath, by this stage England had a lead in excess of 300 runs, and there were just 2 hours left in the game.

Pietersen had done enough to earn England a draw, and help them reclaim the Ashes. Australia got their revenge 18 months later, winning the return series in Australia 5-0.