Birmingham, July 28: Michael Vaughan hit his ninth Test century here today as England battled back in the first Test against South Africa and then described his 156 as the best of his international career. The opener, the leading scorer in Test cricket last year, hit 24 fours and one six in his 286-ball knock to help England to 374-7 at the close at Edgbaston.

The home side still need 21 to avoid the follow-on when play resumes tomorrow, the final day. "It was my best hundred to date. It was a struggle early on but I hung in there," said Vaughan who made just 12 off the first 75 balls.

"Shaun Pollock examined our techniques but I dug in, got to 30 and then the afternoon session just flowed by. It went really well and it was nice to put England into a position where they can save the follow-on."

Vaughan also paid tribute to Captain Nasser Hussain and coach Duncan Fletcher for the help they have provided in his career. "I wasn't a success straightaway as an opener in New Zealand, but they stuck by me and gave me a lot of confidence, so all credit to them."

He also said that a lot of runs have come from his pull shot, a stroke he has perfected as an opener.

"I have tried over the last 18 months to work on it and it's a good option when the ball is on a good length."

Bureau Report