Jonny Bairstow has reflected on "probably the best day" of his life after he claimed his maiden Test century during the ongoing series between England and South Africa.
The 26-year-old's partnership with Ben Stokes - 399 from just 352 balls - broke records as the fastest 300 in Test history, while Bairstow's knock of an unbeaten 150 when Alastair Cook declared at 629-6 was comfortably his best ever Test performance for his country.
Upon reaching the 100 mark, Bairstow emotionally looked to the heavens as he paid tribute to his father, the late England wicket-keeper David Bairstow, and his grandfather, who passed away last year.
"It was probably the best day of my life, I reckon, and one I will never forget," Bairstow told Sky Sports News afterwards. "There have been a lot of ups and downs so it is a special day, not just for myself but the people and my family that have helped me along the way.
"It was always going to be [emotional], with my grandpa passing away last year and it approaching the anniversary of my dad's death, so I am delighted to score my century in the New Year's Test.
"It's great to play Test cricket - it tests you all the way through, so to come out with 150 is hopefully the start of a long career."
The second Test resumes in Cape Town on Monday with the hosts at 141-2.
