Smith and Amla punish England

Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla punished England's bowlers in scorching heat as South Africa built a commanding lead on the third day of the third Test against England at Newlands on Tuesday.

South Africa were 312 for two in their second innings at the close, an overall lead of 330.

Smith muscled his way to his 19th Test century, finishing the day with 162 not out. He shared a second wicket stand of 230 with Hashim Amla, who made 95.

It was easily South Africa's best day of the series and with two days remaining they were in a strong position to push for a series-levelling victory.

Smith and Amla took advantage of the best batting conditions of the match and England struggled as the temperature reached 37C in the shade. On the field there was nowhere for England to hide - from the sun which blazed out of a cloudless sky or Smith's powerful stroke play.

After a watchful start, the left-handed Smith attacked all the bowlers but was particularly aggressive against off-spinner Graeme Swann, man of the match in the first two Tests, although Swann was again England's most successful bowler, taking two for 104 in 33 overs.

Amla scored most of his runs against the faster bowlers and was particularly prolific in the area behind point as he made his runs off 155 balls, hitting 12 fours.

Amla had moved ahead of Smith at tea, scoring 73 to the captain's 65 but Smith launched a ferocious onslaught after the interval and had taken his score to 133 when Amla was out, caught off bat and pad at short leg off Swann. Even when England thought they had Smith's wicket they were foiled. On 51, he was given out leg before wicket by umpire Tony Hill when he missed a sweep against Swann.

AFP