England's bowlers left frustrated by Proteas' openers
Ryan Sidebottom, who was struggling with a back injury, finished with 0-23 from 18 overs.
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Sunday, 13, Jul 2008 09:07
England's chances of victory against South Africa look bleak after the tourists ended day four on 242-1 at Lords.
Openers Graeme Smith (107) and Neil McKenzie (102 not out) both hit centuries as the Proteas ended the day 104 runs behind England.
Smith was dropped twice by wicket-keeper Tim Ambrose before he top-edged a delivery from James Anderson to Kevin Pietersen.
England need quick wickets on the final day to give themselves any chance of chasing a total.
On a frustrating day for England's bowlers, the tourists' eked out just 54 runs in the first 28 overs.
Starting the day on 17-0, the South African openers saw off the new ball with Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson unable to make any inroads.
Monty Panesar, the hero yesterday with four wickets, was brought on in the 15th over. The spinner had two lbw appeals turned down when bowling to McKenzie but failed to get much turn on the dry pitch.
Panesar created England's best chance of the session when Smith got an inside edge to a floating delivery which hit wicket-keeper Tim Ambrose's pads.
Kevin Pietersen bowled the last over for lunch, which went for six runs, with the openers holding firm.
The pattern continued in the second session with the Proteas, ranked second in the Test rankings, seeing off the England attack.
Smith reached his half-century off 106 balls with a fierce square drive, while McKenzie reached his 50 off 190 balls after a quick single off Panesar in the 55th over.
England's fortunes did not change after tea, and Smith reached his 15th Test century after facing 186 deliveries.
The captain was dropped again by Ambrose on 107 after the wicket-keeper spilled a catch which was heading to Paul Collingwood.
Smith departed when he top-edged a short delivery from Anderson with Pietersen taking the catch at backward point.
McKenzie then reached his ton from 307 balls with a quick single off Anderson, after batting for over five hours.
Hashim Amla survived a flurry of bouncers in the closing stages to remain unbeaten on 20 at stumps, as England's hopes of victory slipped away.