(Updates at close)
By Richard Sydenham
LONDON Aug 17 (Reuters) – Jonny Bairstow hit the highest
score of the match to lead an England fightback against South
Africa on day two of the third and final test on Friday, keeping
alive their hopes of the win they need to square the series.
England were 208 for five at stumps, trailing the tourists’
first innings by 101 runs, after Bairstow’s innings of 72 not
out in close on four hours at Lord’s. It was his highest test
score in his fourth match. Matt Prior was unbeaten on 22.
South Africa were earlier dismissed for 309 before lunch, as
number eight Vernon Philander made a test best 61, the same
score JP Duminy registered on Thursday. It has so far been a
seesaw contest with the game now evenly poised.
Bairstow, who only returned to the team because of Kevin
Pietersen’s controversial omission, batted with maturity and
patience to help rescue England after they had slumped to 54 for
four after lunch. Ian Bell hit a battling 58 and put on 124 with
Bairstow for the fifth wicket.
England must win to draw the series, following their loss by
an innings and 12 runs in the first match at The Oval. South
Africa will leapfrog them and take over at the top of the world
rankings if they avoid a defeat.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
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