Ninety runs into the astonishing century which ensured the Ashes returned to England [Images] on Monday, Kevin Pietersen [Images] finally spotted his mother on the Oval balcony.

Anxious to ensure her son realised how close he was to a maiden Test century for his adopted country, Penny Pietersen held up the fingers on both hands to indicate he had 10 runs to go.

"I was more worried about the Ashes then 10 more personal runs," Pietersen said as he savoured his 158 on the final day of the last Test.

Pietersen, who was born in South Africa, qualified to play for England because his mother is English.

He won a place in the Test side ahead of the vastly experienced Graham Thorpe after three one-day centuries in South Africa, followed by a match-winning 91 not out from 65 balls in a one-day match against Australia this year.

Innings of 57 and 64 in a losing cause at the first Test at Lord's confirmed his temperament and aggressive intent before a subsequent dip in form refuelled doubts about his technique.

On Monday, the 25-year-old showed just what he brings to the England team after surviving three dropped chances, including one on 15 when Shane Warne [Images] dropped a regulation chance at slip.

He also took a sickening body blow just before lunch from fast bowler Brett Lee [Images], who again worked up a fearsome pace with no reward.

"I only rubbed my ribs so that Shane Warne wouldn't get another over," Pietersen said. "I was a little bit of a drama queen for a moment."

MASSIVE BLOWS

During a tense post-lunch period as England edged closer to the draw they needed to regain the Ashes after 16 years, Pietersen hooked Lee off his eyebrows for two sixes into the crowd and added another four with massive front foot blows.

By the time he was bowled by the fading strike bowler Glenn McGrath, the match was safe for England and Pietersen was a national hero.

Displaying the respect and affection between the teams, Pietersen was congratulated by his Hampshire team mate Warne before he left the pitch to a standing ovation.

• Pietersen packs a punch

"He said it's a special, special moment," Pietersen recalled. "Just take the moment, just savour this innings."

In a game which abounds with useless statistics, Pietersen became on Monday the first South African-born batsman with a white streak through his hair and rings in both ears to score a series-winning match against Australia.

Pietersen said he had been hurt by criticism this week about his hairstyle and ear-rings while stressing that he was a dedicated, professional sportsman.

"It's only something in my ears and a stupid haircut," he said.

As far as England captain Michael Vaughan [Images] is concerned, Pietersen could turn up for England's next match in a diamond encrusted swimsuit with his hair dyed in seven different colours.

"He's got a little bit of genius," Vaughan said. "He has a life outside the game."

Photograph: Getty Images