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Jonny Bairstow leads England fightback

Bairstow leads England fightback
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Jonny Bairstow's unbeaten knock of 72 leads England fightback on day two of the third Test against South Africa at Lord's.

Jonny Bairstow's unbeaten knock of 72 has led an England fightback on day two of the third Test against South Africa at Lord's.

With the tourists starting the day on 262-7, Vernon Philander (61), Dale Steyn (26) and Morne Morkel (25) helped them reach 309 all out.

In reply, the hosts made 208-5 thanks to a partnership of 124 between Jonny Bairstow and Ian Bell.

England got off to a disastrous start for their innings when captain Andrew Strauss was dismissed by Morkel for 20 before Alastair Cook (7) and Jonathan Trott (8) both fell to Steyn.

James Taylor added 10 when he was sent back to the pavilion by Morkel.

However, Bairstow and Bell then dug in at the crease to help England get themselves back in contention.

Bell was eventually out off the bowling of Philander for 58, while Bairstow passed his maiden Test 50 on his way to 72 not out.

The 22-year-old will be joined out in the middle on Saturday with Matt Prior after the wicketkeeper made 22.

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