Maharaj-Jansen stand sparks happy Protea fire for Erwee: 'The changeroom was buzzing'

Proteas opening batter Sarel Erwee said the Marco Jansen/Keshav Maharaj partnership has given them a positive jolt of energy ahead of the third day of the first Test against England at Lord's.

Jansen, who came in at number six, came together with Maharaj at the fall of Kyle Verreynne's wicket, from where they stitched together a momentum-shifting 72-run stand off 75 balls that took South Africa's lead past three figures.

Maharaj (41) was claimed by England captain Ben Stokes late on the second evening, but the lanky Jansen (41*) is still there and carries the hopes of pushing the Proteas past the 150-run lead mark.

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Erwee, who made 73 before he too fell to Stokes' short-ball attack, said the spunky alliance was indicative of their togetherness as a group.

"Watching that Keshav and Marco partnership gives you a bit more energy," Erwee said.

"The changeroom started buzzing a little bit more and that was lovely to see. The guys want to see each other do well. That's what our team spirit is about.

"It's not about each individual and what they're doing, but it's about what they're doing to contribute to the team.

"We want guys to do well and that's what team spirit is about and we're in a good space with our team spirit and how we're pulling for each other."

What the late stand did was to put England under pressure they last experienced in the West Indies when they were still captained by Joe Root.

In the third Test of that series in Grenada, they conceded a 97-run lead and proceeded to lose the Test by 10 wickets, also conceding the series.

While England's bowling group barring Jack Leach has changed, England's batting unit, except for Dan