England frustrated by Proteas pair

South Africa captain Graeme Smith and opening partner Neil McKenzie each hit hundreds to severely blunt England's victory hopes in the first Test at Lord's.

England began the fourth day with their opponents following on, still 333 runs behind, and with obvious hopes of bowling them out for an innings win to go ahead in the four-match series.

But after Smith (107) and McKenzie (102no) had shared an opening stand of 204 in a stumps total of 242 for one, the match situation was dramatically revised.

A 15th Test century was a personal triumph for Smith - doubtless still smarting after his decision to ask England to bat first and then watching them pile up 593 for eight declared - but true satisfaction in his own performance will come only if South Africa manage to finish the job and salvage a draw.

Smith ate up 207 balls and 342 minutes, hitting 11 fours as he and the even more patient and determined McKenzie took advantage of largely benign batting conditions to negate the threat of Monty Panesar on a pitch which was offering some turn - out of the rough at least.

England's pace attack had less in their favour and could not make anything happen as South Africa's openers shut out their opponents for more than two-and-a-half sessions, and in excess of 80 overs.

The South Africans were in no hurry for their runs, and it was not until less than seven overs before the close that McKenzie pushed the single he needed off James Anderson for his fifth Test hundred.