South Africa reached two for 277 in reply to England’s first innings 385, a deficit of 108 runs, at tea on the third day of the first Test at the Oval on Saturday.

Hashim Amla was 131 not out and Jacques Kallis 10 not out after South Africa captain Graeme Smith made a hundred in his 100th Test before falling for 131.

This is the first of a three-match series.

If South Africa win the series they will replace England at the top of the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings.