England hero Kevin Pietersen was "speechless" after his stunning hundred helped England regain the Ashes at The Oval on Monday.

Pietersen was dropped three times and punished Australia by hammering 158 to secure the Ashes for the first time since 1987.

"I'm speechless", Pietersen said.

"It's an amazing feeling.

"I've copped a bit of stick this week from a few people but I do like a big stage.

"I knew I had to bat for a long time and managed to do it.

"Shane Warne dropped me but then I've dropped six catches this series. I'll take the hundred today."

Pietersen added: "I got my opportunities earlier in the series and missed out.

"The boys have been absolutely magnificent the whole two months we played. Every single bloke in the team is very special."

Pietersen added: "It's been a fantastic day, the whole series has been fantastic.

"Every single player, Australian and English, has been amazing."

"I did ride my luck a little (with three dropped catches early on in his knock of 158) but that's what happens in cricket - I've dropped six catches (in the series) already. It could have gone either way and fortunately it went my way."