Graeme Smith rated his innings of 107 that may yet help to save his South Africa team from what looked like an inevitable defeat as one of the best of his career.

The Proteas were following on after being bowled out for 247 in reply to England’s 593-8 declared and Smith and opening partner Neil McKenzie put on 204 for the first wicket. It was a steely show of character from both men and England must now take nine wickets on a flat wicket in good time on the final day Monday to go 1-0 up.

“As a captain, if you say one or two things, it is then quite important to lead the way,” Smith said afterwards. “Personally this has to be one of my best innings, in terms of the amount of preparation I had leading up to this Test and given the pressure we were under when we came out to bat this morning.
 
“Everyone's hurting over the way we played in the first three days. We had a really tough chat last night (Saturday) as a team, and we have been honest, we have been out-performed in the first three days.

“We really needed to fight and show some character to get ourselves back into this game. We have obviously done that. And we are now looking to bounce back.”

He added: “This is a good hard test, the kind that often defines the character of the people involved.

“The morning session is going to be crucial to us. The ball is going to be fairly new, but a good positive session for us where we can close that gap down, will enable us to do what we want to do in the afternoon sessions.”