England were on the verge of suffering a heavy defeat in the fourth and final Test against South Africa on Saturday as the row over the umpire referral system rumbled on. The tourists, still angered by the third umpire's decision on Friday not to give South Africa captain Graeme Smith out caught behind early in his innings before he went on to make 105, collapsed to 48 for three in their second innings.

When bad light halted play in the test that has been blighted by thunderstorms and a series of controversial incidents, England were on the brink of relinquishing their 1-0 series lead as they trail the hosts by 195 runs with two more days left to play. South Africa, who bowled out England for 180 on day one, declared their second innings on 423 for seven, with Mark Boucher cutting loose to notch up a stylish 95.

Mark Boucher and AB de Villiers put South Africa in complete command as the home team reached 324 for five at lunch. Boucher hit 51 not out and De Villiers was unbeaten on 43, the pair sharing an unbroken partnership of 89 to help South Africa establish a 144-run lead. The hosts started the day on 215 for two with Hashim Amla on 73 and Jacques Kallis on seven.

Copyright Reuters, 2010