As far as England are concerned, much now depends on Matt Prior. The wicketkeeper batsman ended day two on 52 not out as the tourists reached stumps on 241-7.
England made a bright start to the day as they bowled South Africa out for 291 but things quickly deteriorated as Morne Morkel took three wickets and Andrew Strauss' men slumped to 73-4.
A handy 65 from Alastair Cook and a frustrating 48 from Ian Bell kept the hosts at bay while Prior completed his fifty as the evening session drew to a close.
England trail by 50 runs with three wickets remaining and the morning session on day three will be pivotal. If the tourists are bowled out in a hurry, the South Africans will be in the driving seat. Yet Prior, alongside Graeme Swann, could tilt the contest slightly in England's favour if they can build a first innings lead.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith took the new ball late in the day and it will have plenty of shine still tomorrow. If England can survive the first half hour without losing a wicket, they might just push the home side onto the back foot.
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