Pietersen upbeat about England's chances

Kevin Pietersen claims England can win their final Test against New Zealand after his 115 helped them to 273-7 on the opening day.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat, his side were at one stage reduced to 86 for 5 at Trent Bridge before Pietersen fought back in partnership with Tim Ambrose, who finally succumbed for 67.

He said: "It's a scenario where you're staring down the barrel to be honest. Losing three wickets after lunch was obviously not something we planned to do but those kinds of times are when I like to stand up for England.

"I like to score runs when it counts and for me I feel a lot better doing it when we're in trouble. It's something that I pride myself on.

"I like to stand up to be counted on days when it's really tough, I think it's a good judge of character and something that I thrive on."

But New Zealand's two late wickets with the new ball to dismiss both Pietersen and Ambrose has convinced them they are still in the match as they attempt to bounce back from defeat at Old Trafford to level the series.

"On reflection it felt a bit like the first day at Wellington when Ambrose had that partnership with Collingwood when we had them 120 for five," admitted seamer Kyle Mills.

"This time we had them 86 for five and those two guys out there batted pretty well. The wicket is pretty slow and to get those two wickets at the end makes it that honours are pretty even."

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