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Jonny Bairstow keeps England's hopes alive

Bairstow keeps England's hopes alive
© PA Photos
Jonny Bairstow and Jonathan Trott keep England in contention during the final Test against South Africa at the Lord's.

An unbeaten knock of 43 from Jonny Bairstow during the opening session has kept England in contention of winning their final Test match against South Africa at Lord's.

The home side resumed the day on 16-2 with a victory target of 346 runs.

They didn't get off to the best of starts though, with Ian Bell failing to add to his overnight score of 4 when he was caught by Graeme Smith off the bowling of Vernon Philander.

Bell's dismissal saw James Taylor arrive at the crease to partner Jonathan Trott.

However, with Taylor on four runs, the English pair were involved in a mix-up that saw the Nottinghamshire batsman run out by Hashim Amla.

Bairstow was next in and he immediately set about attacking the South African bowling unit. As lunch was called, he had claimed his 43 runs from just 36 balls.

Trott also stayed put, ending the session with 57 runs to his name.

England require 226 runs to win the match and level the three-match series at one match apiece.

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