Kevin Pietersen hit his first century for Hampshire on Friday, boosting his hopes of selection for England's first Test against Bangladesh at Lord's later this month.
The South African-born batsman struck 125 off 111 balls to help his new side pile up 461 for nine declared on the third day of the county championship first division match against Kent at Canterbury.
Kent, chasing 485 to win, were 121 for two at the close.
Former Nottinghamshire batsman Pietersen, 24, scored three hundreds in England's one-day series against South Africa earlier this year but has yet to win his Test cap.
The selectors will announce England's squad on Sunday for the Lord's Test against Bangladesh, which starts on May 26.
England captain Michael Vaughan also enjoyed a welcome return to form on Friday, making 53 for Yorkshire in their second division game against Leicestershire.
Paceman Steve Harmison followed up his three wickets from the first innings by taking six for 52 in the second as he helped Durham beat Lancashire by nine wickets in the second division.
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