Paul Collingwood admitted he had been feeling the pressure before his second-innings century at Edgbaston.
England batsman relieved after shrugging off poor form with crucial hundred
Paul Collingwood admitted it had been a 'special day' after his unbeaten century batted England back into contention in the third Test against South Africa.
Collingwood, who was recalled for the match after being dropped for the second-Test defeat at Headingley, cast off a summer-long run poor form to lead England to 297-6 in their second innings, an overall advantage of 214 on a wearing pitch at Edgbaston.
The Durham batsman arrived at the crease to join Kevin Pietersen with the score at 104-4 and, in all likelihood, playing for his Test future.
The fifth-wicket pair added 115 in 23 overs to revive the innings before Pietersen holed out off Paul Harris for 94.
But Collingwood stood firm and brought up his three figures in fairytale fashion with a six shortly before the close of the third day.
Pressure
"Everyone knows I've been under pressure out there so it was nice to go out there and get the hundred," Collingwood told
Sky Sports.
"It's been a special day.
"I've been feeling the pressure - it's as simple as that.
"Professional sport is a tough industry when you're not doing your job and as a batsman you've got to go out and score runs and I haven't been doing that.
"Of course I came under pressure but today was one of those situations when I go out there and be aggressive in my strokeplay, and it came off today.
"Today was my day."
Of the intriguing situation of the match, he added: "We certainly need a few more (runs) I think.
"Hopefully Monty (Panesar) will get a few to turn out there but we'll have to wait and see how long we can bat tomorrow."
Disappointing
South Africa have the second new ball available at the start of day four, providing a glimmer of hope for their exasperated coach Mickey Arthur.
"Today was very, very disappointing," said Arthur, whose side lead the four match series 1-0.
"It simply wasn't good enough and we have got that out of the way in the dressing room.
"We have got a gift tomorrow morning and that's the second new ball, and we have to make it work. The game is now on a knife edge.
"Our plans didn't work. As I have always said you can set up the most brilliant plans in the world but you still have to execute them.
"We wanted to have Colly feeling outside off-stump and he got off the mark pulling - that said everything about our performance.
"But he came out and played unbelievably well under the pressure."
