Playing for draw probably the right option: Pietersen

England captain Kevin Pietersen conceded that a draw could be the best option for his side in the second Test.

Disappointed that his side slumped to 282 for six by losing two quick wickets towards the close of play on Sunday, England captain Kevin Pietersen on Sunday conceded that a draw could be the best option for his side in the second Test against India in Mohali.

“The two wickets (towards close of play) were a huge dampner and I am very disappointed. I think we have to probably play for a draw, that seems to be the best option. I hope we can bat till tomorrow morning and then bowled well and get some batting again in the second innings,” Pietersen said after third day’s play.

Pietersen said it was fun to have hit his first hundred in India but said he was disappointed to have slipped from a position of strength.

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“It was fun out there, scoring my first hundred in India. But game wise 170 runs behind and only four wickets remaining it is disappointing. I would have been happy had we have six wickets in hand,” he said.

“I was a bit unlucky (to get out). Hawke eye said the ball could have hit the leg stump but I could have got away with that also. And (Andrew) Flintoff was out in the last ball so it was disappointing overall,” he said.

Asked about his switch hit, Pietersen said, “I have said again and again it was all about field situation. If the field setting was right I want to play that shot. It went well and it was fun.”

Pietersen was all praise for Andrew Flintoff with whom he shared 149 runs for the fifth wicket.

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“Flintoff is a superstar. He was bowling beautifully since coming back to the team and today he played a superb innings. I know that man can do these things,” he said.

Pietersen also wondered at the Indian captain MS Dhoni’s tactics of removing Zaheer Khan soon and bringing in part timer Yuvraj Singh.

“I don’t know what was the reason but I would say thank you for that. Zaheer Khan is one of the best best left-arm bowlers and Yuvraj just chucks along. I would want to face Yuvraj whole day instead of Zaheer,” he said.