South Africa wrap up series

Chasing a testing victory target of 281, Smith's composure was crucial after his side slipped to 93 for four with Andrew Flintoff again exploiting problems with the sightscreen from the Pavilion End to claim two wickets.

Smith (154 not out) batted for nearly six hours to hit an unbeaten 154 and guided his side home to reduce next week's final Test at the Oval to a dead rubber.

His brilliant display also served to underline the current struggle by England captain Michael Vaughan. England have failed to win any of the nine Tests they have played against highly-rated opposition - India, Sri Lanka and South Africa - since his return from a long-standing knee injury over a year ago.

The hosts had begun the fourth morning as slight favourites, 214 runs ahead on 297 for six and despite losing Tim Ambrose to the second ball of the day they were well placed to set a target of over 300.

But after Paul Collingwood forged a determined 65-run eighth wicket stand with Ryan Sidebottom, spanning 16.5 overs, England lost their composure and lost their last three wickets for a run with the Durham all-rounder last out on 135.

South Africa's reply started well and all-rounder Flintoff provided the breakthrough in controversial circumstances when he again exploited the right-handed batsmen's difficulty in picking up his high arm from above the sightscreen from the Pavilion End.

Neil McKenzie completely lost an attempted yorker from Flintoff and ducked only to fall lbw when the ball landed on his boot and Jacques Kallis was even more annoyed at what he regarded as Flintoff's unfair advantage when another attempted yorker looped into his thigh as he attempted to duck and won another lbw decision.

Between those controversial dismissals, Monty Panesar won an lbw appeal against Hashim Amla and James Anderson had Ashwell Prince caught behind to leave the tourists struggling on 93 for four.

AB de Villiers hung around before edging Panesar to Collingwood at slip, but the impressive Smith and Mark Boucher put on 112 runs for the sixth wicket to see South Africa home and begin a long inquest into another disappointing performance from England's under-performing line-up.