Alastair Cook continued with his splendid innings in the second session of today's play at the Oval.

Cook hit the Pakistani's all over the ground, with 17 fours to his name before finally losing his wicket for 110 runs.

His century came in the strangest way possible. Cook played a simple defensive shot against Mohammad Asif who, for reasons unknown, decided to throw the ball back to the wicket keeper. The ball went well over the keepers head and counted as a four for Cook and brought a nice three-digit score up.

Pakistan soon returned to serious play however with Wahab Riaz bowling a ball that Cook sent into the hands of Kamran Akmal. However with his confidence restored, a standing ovation and his Ashes place more secure, Cook left the field in the knowledge that his innings may help England win the test and clinch the series.

Kevin Pietersen then came to the crease to join fellow South African Jonathan Trott, both making good scores before Tea. Trott reached 36 and Pietersen 23, while England were on 194/3, which together with their first innings total of 233 put them ahead of Pakistanis 308 first innings total.

Pakistan