Kevin Pietersen delivered a defiant century to help England salvage a draw in the final Test at the Oval and restrict India to a 1-0 npower series victory.

Pietersen, perhaps fired up by a spat with Anil Kumble, claimed his 10th century at the highest level to limit the damage in England's first Test summer under new coach Peter Moores.

The Hampshire batsman stayed nearly four hours for his 101 and frustrated India's efforts to run through their hosts as they sought to seal a 2-0 margin in what was nonetheless their first victory on English soil since 1986.

Pietersen's innings did not carry the same significance as his century on the same ground two years ago - when his belligerent 158 denied Australia victory and secured the return of the Ashes after an 18-year wait. But it was still vital to England's bid to finish their Test commitments with a performance of note.

Already resigned to the end of an unbeaten home Test series run stretching back to 2001 when they resumed the final day on 56 without loss chasing an unlikely victory target of 500, England's first objective was always to avoid defeat.

That was underlined by the manner in which openers Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook, who are yet to share a century stand despite 27 innings batting together at the top of the order, approached the early stages of the final day.

Clearly not tempted by the prospect of breaking the world record of 418 for seven set by West Indies against Australia three years ago as the highest ever successful fourth-innings run chase, England set out to frustrate India's attack.

It was a tactic which worked until mid-way through the morning session - when both openers fell inside a spell of 14 balls to leave England nervously considering the situation throughout the remainder of the day.

Strauss, under pressure for his Test future after averaging just 29 this summer, fell to left-arm seamer RP Singh's fourth ball of the day - attempting to force off the back foot without moving his feet, and instead edging to VVS Laxman at first slip.

Cook then fell for the trap sprung by India captain Rahul Dravid, who succeeded where he had failed twice in the first innings when the Essex left-hander was dropped at leg-slip.

This time, Cook tried to work Kumble off his legs and was caught in the identical position low by Laxman.

England had their share of luck, with Michael Vaughan dropped by his opposite number Dravid at slip on 18 five overs before lunch - an error which proved costly, with the home captain batting for a further 16 overs before finally falling for 42.

Vaughan fell victim to a break in concentration soon after 10 minutes off the field for bad light in mid-afternoon, edging seamer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth behind off the back foot.

His departure placed the responsibility for guiding England to safety on Pietersen, who refused to let the match situation inhibit his natural style and attacked every loose delivery - including a four down the ground when Sachin Tendulkar gave him a full toss off the mark first ball.

He was involved in an on-field altercation with Kumble, who bumped into him as he attempted to field the ball off his own bowling - and then squared up to the batsman.

Pietersen apologised immediately. But Kumble was not as easily appeased, and it was noticeable that none of the Indian side celebrated when Pietersen reached three figures with his 18th four through midwicket off Sreesanth.

His efforts all but ended India's hopes of victory - although the second new ball lifted them once again, with Paul Collingwood falling lbw to Sreesanth's first delivery with it and Pietersen edging the same bowler to first slip four balls after reaching his half-century.

Ian Bell seemed to have taken the match away from India once again by hitting 67 off 62 balls - but when he was given lbw to Kumble trying to sweep with just 4.5 overs remaining, England's nerves would have been on edge.

Fortunately Matt Prior helped to steer England to safety.