Mahmood and Pietersen leave Sri Lanka in tatters

Kevin Pietersen's third Test century was filled with amazing shots © Getty Images

Kevin Pietersen produced a dazzling century to propel England into an impregnable position in the first Test at Lord's, then it was over to Sajid Mahmood to mark his debut in stunning fashion with three wickets in his first four overs. Coupled with Matthew Hoggard's incisive new-ball burst and Paul Collingwood's composed half-century, England's powerful display has left Sri Lanka staring at a heavy defeat with only Mahela Jayawardene standing firm.

England's ruthless intent was indicated by Andrew Flintoff's decision to call an end to the run-scoring fun after he'd biffed a rapid cameo, putting the finishing touches to a virtually complete batting performance. Pietersen and Collingwood combined in a productive stand of 173 as Pietersen reached a memorable third Test century with an array of outlandish shots. While England had been piling on the runs the conditions appeared perfect for batting, as soon as the ball was in the hands of Hoggard and Co. it became a very different game.

The Sri Lankan openers have been in trouble against the moving ball throughout their build-up and Hoggard proved too much for Jehan Mubarak and Upul Tharanga with sharp inswingers. At least Mubarak tried to play a shot at his; Tharanga just thrust his pad in the way of a ball that would have castled middle. After seven overs Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka's leading batsmen, were already in the role of rescuing the innings and for a while progressed promisingly as Liam Plunkett struggled to settle.

Flintoff left Mahmood grazing in the outfield until the 21st over but when his turn came the effect was dramatic as he induced Sangakkara to flash at ball outside off stump in his second over. The next strike was all down to Mahmood's pace as he beat Samaraweera with a full ball and trapped him plumb in front.

Sometimes there isn't much a side can do about quality bowling, but Sri Lanka have only themselves to blame with the next wicket, Jayawardene and Tillekeratne Dilshan suffering a horrid mix-up over a run to mid-off. Mahmood's dream start continued when a fast full-toss was too much for Chamara Kapugedera, who isn't enjoying such a sparkling start to his Test career.

It had taken Sri Lanka nearly 134 overs to get an lbw, England had four in 30 and were rampant. Jayawardene held up one end, but even he should have gone when Geraint Jones spilled a chance to his right when the batsman had 34. The arrival of dark clouds over Lord's - reflecting the mood of the Sri Lankans - allowed then to scurry for the pavilion but the damage had been done.

Sajid Mahmood made a dramatic start to his Test caeer © Getty Images

Following the professional performance on the opening day it was imperative that England didn't let the initiative slip away when they resumed on another sun-soaked morning. Pietersen ensured they continued a relentless charge with an innings that mixed the flamboyant with the textbook. Collingwood was able to take a backseat, and just eased along at his own pace, happy to let Pietersen be where he likes - in the spotlight.

Pietersen produced audacious flicks through the legside, from deliveries that most batsmen would have pushed through the covers, but was equally destructive through the offside and hurt Sri Lanka for catching him off a no-ball on Thursday evening. Nothing much fazes him, even approaching a century at Lord's, and a glorious sweep into the Grandstand off Muralitharan carried him into the nineties. His third Test century arrived off 129 balls and he was well into the celebrations before the ball reached the rope.

Collingwood, also oozing the confidence he now feels at this level, brought up his half-century from 103 balls and Pietersen - dropped againt on 138 at short fine-leg - followed soon afterwards with his 150, which arrived off 197 deliveries. After equalling that 158 at The Oval, Pietersen went for one whip too many and the Sri Lankans finally had an lbw upheld then Collingwood followed as Vaas and Muralitharan finally found some reward.

However, any thoughts of England tottering along were banished as Flintoff immediately imposed himself on the tired attack with his second six of Muralitharan followed by a jog into the pavilion. The next time the players left the field it was Mahmood, Flintoff's Lancashire team-mate, who led the way and any talk of England been caught out with a young side and early-season rustiness has, like the Sri Lankan batting, been blown away.

Jehan Mubarak lbw b Hoggard 0 (0 for 1)
Swung back, no footwork, hitting off

Upul Tharanga lbw b Hoggard 10 (21 for 2)
No shot offered, taking out middle

Kumar Sangakkara c Trescothick b Mahmood 21 (81 for 3)
Flat-footed drive to first slip

Thilan Samaraweera lbw b Mahmood (81 for 4)
Full ball, beaten for pace

Tillakaratne Dilshan run out (Hoggard/Jones) 0 (85 for 5)
Hit to mid-off, no communication, left stranded

Chamara Kapugedera lbw b Mahmood 0 (85 for 6)
Quick full toss, hitting leg

Matthew Hoggard b Vass (329 for 4)
Comprehensively beaten by a slower ball

Kevin Pietersen lbw b Vaas 158 (502 for 5)
Tried to whip to the onside, plumb

Paul Collingwood b Muralitharan 57 (502 for 6)
Beaten by a sharp turner