Pietersen in freak dismissal as Cook nears ton

MANCHESTER, England, June 9 (Reuters) Kevin Pietersen was dismissed in unusual circumstances for 68 as England reached 228 for three in their second innings at tea on the third day of the third test today, a lead of 369 over West Indies.

Pietersen's helmet came off his head and fell on to the wicket as he tried to hook a short ball by Dwayne Bravo with the score on 221.

The England batsman, bidding to score a century for the third consecutive test, looked stunned as he walked his way back to the pavilion.

Pietersen, dropped on 32 and 51, had shared a partnership of 122 for the third wicket with Alastair Cook (89 not out).

Left-handed opener Cook was approaching his sixth test century at tea.

Pietersen's was the second wicket to fall in the day and came at a time when the West Indies attack had put a brake on the scoring.

England captain Michael Vaughan was removed before lunch, caught and bowled for 40 by Darren Sammy who showed good reflexes to claim the return catch.

Paul Collingwood was three not out at tea.

England are 1-0 up in the four-match series.

REUTERS PDS RAI2101