Jonathan Bairstow scored a maiden Test fifty as England fought back on the second day of their series finale with South Africa at Lord's.
Bairstow came in Friday when England, just as the tourists had done in their first innings, had collapsed to 54 for four.
But by stumps England were 208 for five.
Bairstow was 72 not out, having added 124 for the fifth wicket with Ian Bell (58). Matt Prior was unbeaten on 22.
However, that left England still 101 runs adrift of South Africa's 309, with the Proteas, 1-0 up in the three-match series, only needing to avoid defeat to replace their hosts as the world's top-ranked Test side.
Bairstow, dropped by England after making a mere 38 runs during his first three Tests against the West Indies earlier this season, was under severe pressure - especially following Pietersen's 149 in the drawn second Test at Headingley.
Despite that brilliant innings, England axed the South Africa-born Pietersen after he sent "provocative" texts, believed to be critical of his team-mates, to Proteas players.
Bell though insisted Bairstow was not under extra pressure after coming in for the controversial Pietersen.
Bairstow came in Friday when England, just as the tourists had done in their first innings, had collapsed to 54 for four.
But by stumps England were 208 for five.
Bairstow was 72 not out, having added 124 for the fifth wicket with Ian Bell (58). Matt Prior was unbeaten on 22.
However, that left England still 101 runs adrift of South Africa's 309, with the Proteas, 1-0 up in the three-match series, only needing to avoid defeat to replace their hosts as the world's top-ranked Test side.
Bairstow, dropped by England after making a mere 38 runs during his first three Tests against the West Indies earlier this season, was under severe pressure - especially following Pietersen's 149 in the drawn second Test at Headingley.
Despite that brilliant innings, England axed the South Africa-born Pietersen after he sent "provocative" texts, believed to be critical of his team-mates, to Proteas players.
Bell though insisted Bairstow was not under extra pressure after coming in for the controversial Pietersen.
