Kevin Pietersen marked his comeback from injury with a large century for Surrey at Headingley today.

In his first innings since March, the former Hampshire star confirmed form and fitness emphatically with a century from just 106 balls on day three of the rain-affected LV= County Championship match against Yorkshire.

In the end Pietersen smashed 17 fours and seven sixes in scoring an undefeated 177 off 188 balls before the declaration came on 353-7 in reply to Yorkshire's 433-9 declared.

Pietersen has played no cricket since having to leave England's Test tour of New Zealand with bone bruising behind his knee.

But as he seeks to demonstrate his readiness for the start of the Ashes on July 10, he was back with a bang in Leeds.

England managing director Hugh Morris is confident Pietersen will be ready to face Australia in the first Test at Trent Bridge.

Morris said earlier today: "It's very encouraging that Kevin is back playing again.

"I know he's worked very hard in practice on preparation and on his fitness. He looks very fit.

"Clearly it's important that he gets some cricket under his belt before the selectors actually sit down and pick the first Ashes squad.

"We've got a few weeks yet and he's got this four-day game and he's in our Twenty20 squad for New Zealand and we've got a game against Essex leading into the Ashes, so there is some cricket left, which is encouraging."