Agonisingly Caught out just three runs short of his 16th Test century, England first-day saviour, Kevin Pietersen, made no excuses for an ambitious shot, which could be said to have ruined an otherwise splendid innings yesterday.

"It is the way I play because I got to 97 playing that way and so it wasn't meant to be," Pietersen told journalists in a post-game press conference at Sabina Park yesterday.

"I love scoring runs and I love playing for England and to get 97, I am a happy boy tonight because the team is in a pretty good position," he said.

After punishing the otherwise economical West Indies left-arm spinner, Sulieman Benn, by blasting two fours and a six in the first three balls of the over, Pietersen appeared to have been overzealous in playing a casual-looking sweep shot off the fourth ball, a mistimed hit that was skied for West Indies 'keeper Denesh Ramdin to run around and complete the catch.

Despite missing out on the century total, the former captain had been the rock on which the English had grounded their innings. He shared an invaluable fifth-wicket stand of 86 with all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, following the dismissals of England captain Andrew Strauss for seven and Alastair Cook, who fell for four. The English ended the day at 236-5 after finding themselves 94-4 early in the afternoon at Sabina Park.

"I think we are really in a good position here because to lose five wickets here today and knowing that we are going to bat last on this wicket is pretty positive," said Pietersen.

Heading into the series, controversy had surrounded Pietersen, who stepped down as England's captain early last month following a long dispute with then England coach, Peter Moores. As a result, Moores was dismissed by the England Cricket Board.

- Kwesi Mugisa

West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor (second right) celebrates taking the wicket of England captain Andrew Strauss (second left) during play on the opening day of the first cricket Test match of the Digicel Home Series at Sabina Park yesterday. - Dellmar photo