Another day, another KP ton

Kevin Pietersen never ceases to amaze.

Whether it's a disastrous hairstyle, or a few cocky and undiplomatic remarks in the press, or his superstar model girlfriends, KP brings an element of surprise in everything he does. Mostly though, it's related to his cricket - his electric hands dropping six consecutive chances at the start of his Test career, and his outrageous and rare talent with willow in hand.

Last night, he made another stunning hundred, smashing the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas with the finesse of a master butcher. It was brutal, almost inhuman batting, and the Edgbaston crowd soaked up every minute of his destruction. The groan that rumbled around the ground upon his dismissal speaks volumes for the entertainment he provides.

On a strange pitch, where no one has yet managed to pass 30, KP blasted a stupendous 142. It was his first chanceless Test hundred (a very close lbw shout before he reached 50 notwithstanding). From the time he walked out from the pavillion, he grabbed the initiative with a thrilling counter attack. Master Murali was treated with utter disdain as KP reverse swept him for six over point, or slogged him over cow corner. Nuwan Kulasekera was treated like a club bowler, and the unorthodox Lasith Malinga was also thrashed to all parts. His skill was confirmed as England lost 5 wickets for 5 runs after his dismissal.

England gained a vital lead of 154, and removed 4 Sri Lankan batsmen before the close of play. Monty Panesar impressed again with the key wicket of Kumar Sangakkara in taking 2/39.Matthew Hoggard also impressed as he completed Upul Tharanga's pair, and dismissed the visiting captain cheaply.

There is little hope for Sri Lanka, expect a thumping English victory inside three days.