Hashim Amla hits career best 311 [not out]

Hashim Amla, who was undefeated on a South African-record 311 when he was told to stop, offered some insight into the captain's decision. "We saw the wicket is good to bat on and we'd rather have a lot of time to bowl and chase whatever we have to than bat on for 10 or 15 overs that we may need later on," Amla said, indicating that South Africa have prepared to bat again if needs be. "You'd rather be in our change-room without a doubt."

Despite the unresponsive surface, Amla believes there is something in it for South Africa's attack, particularly Imran Tahir who already has the scalp of Andrew Strauss. "There's quite a bit of rough. Even though they don't have many left-handers to come, the rough is always a danger for the left-handers so maybe Imran can get a bit there," he said.

Read more: ESPN Cricinfo

England's bowlers silenced by 259-run Amla duet

England were already sick of the sight of Graeme Smith well before the start of this Investec Test series to decide the No 1 ranking team in world cricket. 

Biff brings home the bacon: Graeme Smith is congratulated by Hashim Amla after hitting a century on his 100th Test appearance [Photo: Reuters / Daily Mail]

At the Kia Oval, the South Africa skipper’s seventh hundred against them in 19 Tests earned him the status of their recurring nightmare. 

When England supporters resort to the Mexican wave to keep themselves amused, you know their side is having a frustrating day.

By the close, with South Africa 403-2 in reply to England’s 385, so firmly in command were Smith’s record-sharing partner Hashim Amla (183) and Jacques Kallis (82) that the remains of a full house had long since been reduced to polite and respectful applause.

Read more: Daily Mail