England 135-3 at tea on day 1 of 4th Ashes test

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A constrained Kevin Pietersen survived a catch off the only attacking stroke of his innings as England meandered to 135-3 at tea on the opening day of the fourth Ashes test against Australia.

Pietersen had a big reprieve shortly before tea, escaping with a six when he was caught at deep-backward square only for substitute fielder Nathan Coulter-Nile to carry the ball over the boundary rope.

England lost the wickets of Michael Carberry and Joe Root after lunch, adding to another lackluster effort from captain Alastair Cook, who was the only dismissal of the morning.

Pietersen was on 20 off 57 balls at the break with Ian Bell on 11.

Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle and Shane Watson have one wicket each.