Kevin Pietersen (File)

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London - Exiled England star Kevin Pietersen showed what his country are missing as the controversial batsman hit a sparkling century for Surrey in a County Championship match against Somerset on Tuesday.

Pietersen is fighting to save his international career after being dropped by England following a row over the controversial text messages the 32-year-old sent to South Africa players during the recent Test series.

With no sign that England captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower are willing to forgive Pietersen for criticising them in the texts, the South Africa-born player has been consigned to county cricket action for the rest of the season.

And, with England in action against South Africa in the second one-day international in Southampton, Pietersen took the opportunity to underline his talent with a superb innings of 163 from just 168 balls.

Pietersen smashed the Somerset attack to all parts of Taunton, hitting 20 fours and three sixes, to secure his second County Championship century of the season.

He passed 50 off 66 balls and 100 off 116 as Surrey recovered from 73-3 on the first day of the First Division match.

Pietersen was the last man out, caught behind by Jos Buttler off the bowling of Sajid Mahmood, as Surrey were dismissed for 317 in their first innings.

Surrey cricket manager Chris Adams claimed the quality of the century proved both England and Pietersen would benefit from resolving their issues.

"Kevin looked as good as he ever has," Adams said.

"There are unresolved issues and the sooner there is a solution, the better for everyone, and particularly Kevin himself.

"My job is to make sure he is in the right frame of mind to play well for Surrey. He has been superb in our dressing room and worked very hard in the nets."