SYDNEY, Nov 14: Kevin Pietersen lifted England's Ashes spirits with a faultless century on the final day of his team's three-day cricket match against New South Wales on Tuesday.

Pietersen hit 18 fours and two sixes in a four hour innings of 122 as England reached 349 in its first innings, falling six runs short of New South Wales' total of 355 for nine.

Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook also found form, hitting half centuries in the drawn match which provided a useful workout for the English top and middle order.

Later, England's bowlers also showed improved form as they reduced New South Wales to 194 for six in its second innings by stumps. Steve Harmison took three for 95 in an occasionally erratic performance while Matthew Hoggard and Ashley Giles also claimed top-order wickets.

England resumed Tuesday at 256 for four with Pietersen 80 not out and captain Andrew Flintoff unbeaten on 48.

Flintoff went on to make 62 before being bowled by Michael Clarke while Pietersen progressed to an impressive century which indicated gradual acclimatization to Australian conditions. Strauss made 50 and Cook 59 but there might have been some concern at the length of the tourists' tail and the fact their last four wickets fell for 19 runs.

New South Wales' contingent of international bowlers performed well with Glenn McGrath taking two for 63, Brett Lee two for 57, Nathan Bracken two for 51 and Stuart Clark three for 50.

Earlier, New South Wales briefly slipped to 18 for two before innings of 68 from Clarke and 55 from Simon Katich, who retired hurt, bolstered their total. James Anderson took 3-40.—AP