* England 208-5 at the close, 101 runs behind
* Bairstow spearheads recovery with 72 not out
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By Richard Sydenham
LONDON, Aug 17 (Reuters) – Kevin Pietersen’s replacement
Jonny Bairstow spearheaded 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 in their first innings at the
close of play at Lord’s, trailing by 101 runs, thanks to
Bairstow’s 72 not out.
It was the Yorkshire batsman’s highest test score in his
fourth match. Matt Prior was also unbeaten on 22.
South Africa were earlier bowled out before lunch for 309.
Number eight Vernon Philander made a test-best 61, the same
score team mate JP Duminy registered on Thursday.
Bairstow, who only returned to the team because of
Pietersen’s controversial omission for sending “provocative”
texts to the opposition about his own team, batted with maturity
to rescue England after they had slumped to 54 for four.
Ian Bell hit a battling 58 and put on 124 with Bairstow for
the fifth wicket.
Continued…
