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Kevin Pietersen was dropped twice on his way to an unbeaten 67, as England struggled on their way to 226-6 on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test in MCG.
It was a measured performance from the England batsman as he showed great patience at the crease to earn his half century after the surprise decision from the Australians to allow England to bat after the hosts won the toss.
England openers Alastair Cook and Michael Carberry once again got themselves in but could only managed 27 and 38 respectively, as Peter Siddle and Shane Watson struck.
Yorkshire's Joe Root, who has also struggled like many of the England order to reach the heights shown over the last Ashes series over the English summer, got to 24 before losing his wicket to Ryan Harris, who also dismissed Ian Bell on 27.
It was Pietersen who kept England ticking over slowly before Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow were dismissed on 14 and 10 respectively.
Tim Bresnan will partner Pietersen at the crease on day two as England hope to reach at least 300 on what looks to be a relatively good batting wicket at the MCG which held a world record attendance of over 91,000 on Thursday.
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