A PARTNERSHIP of 230 runs between captain Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla saw South Africa end day three of the third Test match against England on 312 runs for the loss of just two wickets - a 330-run lead.

The Proteas quickly wrapped up the England first innings for 273 runs, 18 runs behind their first innings total. Smith in particular was ruthless on the England attack and made batting in the 34-degree Celsius heat of Newlands, Cape Town, look effortless.

He brought up his 19th Test century - and fifth against England - with a beautiful cover drive for four off Graeme Onions.

Still there at the end of play, Smith will be looking to capitalise on his overnight total of 162 today and is likely to leave England chasing a daunting 500 runs to win the match, with five sessions of bowl England out.

Amla fell agonisingly short of another Test century when he was caught by Alaistair Cook off the bowling of Graeme Swann with his score on 95. Swann also trapped Ashwell Prince lbw for 15.