Jonny Bairstow misses out on century but shows his worth as England’s No7 | Ali Martin


Wicketkeeper-batsman farmed tail expertly to score 99 against South Africa and claimed 100th victim behind stumps to underline balance he brings to the side

Jonny Bairstow farmed the strike with England’s tail so superbly on the second morning here at Old Trafford that the wicketkeeper from the other side of the Pennines could well be challenging Alastair Cook as the team’s most agriculturally inclined cricketer.

Though he fell one run short of what would have been a fourth Test century, the Yorkshireman’s impact on this series finale could well prove the decisive blow against a South Africa side that finished 220 for nine by stumps, trailing by 142 runs and looking ever more ready for the airport.

Related: Jimmy Anderson and Jonny Bairstow put England on top against South Africa

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