Kevin Pietersen was facing South Africa for the first time in a Test

Kevin Pietersen hailed his debut Test century against South Africa as one of the most special days of his career.

Pietersen, 28, fired an unbeaten 104 as England reached 309-3 on day one of the First Test against South Africa.

And Pietersen, who was playing a Test match against his country of birth for the first time, was in jubilant mood after his century at Lord's.

"That there for me is one of the best minutes of my life playing this game of cricket," said Pietersen.

Pietersen turned his back on his homeland after being left out of a provincial side due to South Africa's quota system in 2000, making his debut for England five years later in 2005.

The Hampshire batsman had previously played against South Africa in one-day cricket but Thursday marked the first time he faced the Proteas in a Test match.

And Pietersen marked the occasion in fine style hitting a superb century that included 13 fours and one six.

Kevin Pietersen played very well, his strokeplay was unbelievable - there's a lot of respect for him South Africa bowler Morne Morkel

"What a day, coming to the ground was a very emotional day for me," said Pietersen.

"It's my first Test match against South Africa and to walk away with 104 is one the most special days of my career so far."

Pietersen was given the standard standing ovation on completion of his century but rather than wilt a few seconds later, the Lord's crowd stayed on their feet and continued to salute their hero for several minutes.

It was a gesture and a moment not lost on Pietersen.

He said: "I loved it. It is absolutely amazing to hear that at Lord's and to get that sort of reception.

"I cannot thank every single person in here today enough, that was one of the most amazing, special days of my life."

He added: "I'm playing the game of cricket, I love the game of cricket.

"I love playing for England and I am passionate and I want to win games for England."

Pietersen also hailed the contribution of Andrew Strauss, Alistair Cook and Ian Bell, with whom he shared a partnership of 192.

"The way the guys played today was brilliant," he said.

"Ian Bell has batted magnificently and hopefully we can continue our partnership tomorrow.

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"Our battling line-up has been under some fire from the media and for Ian Bell to come out and play like that under the bit of pressure he has been under was magnificent.

"The bloke played with ease and he played great cricket shots.

"All in all the boys deserve a lot of credit after being put into bat and playing like that."

Pietersen also revealed that his century had been the result of three days of intense planning and practice that had reaped their rewards on day one of the first Test.

"I had a plan and I've practised so hard over the past three days," he said.

"I try and work on things so that when I wake up I know that I've given myself the best opportunity to be successful."

South Africa paceman Morne Morkel admitted his first experience of a Lord's Test had at times overawed him.

"It's an unbelievable venue, a dream come true," said Morkel, who took 2-66.

"It was hard work, I tried a bit too hard in my first spell, it was just wanting to do well, but as soon as the butterflies settled down I was happy."

Of his first time bowling at Kevin Pietersen he said: "He played very well, his strokeplay was unbelievable. There's a lot of respect for him."