South African bowler Vernon Philander made sure that host England's hope of victory remained bleak, as he frustrated the English strike, by striking twice late on the fourth day of the third and final Test at Lord's on Sunday.
England were 16 for two, needing a further 330 runs from the final day to reach what would be a new record victory total of 346.
Jonathan Trott was unbeaten on six and Ian Bell four not out at the close.
The Proteas, 1-0 up in three-match series, will replace England as the world's number one Test side if they avoid defeat on Monday.
Hashim Amla, whose 121 was the cornerstone of South Africa's second innings 351, said England faced a tough task.
England were 16 for two, needing a further 330 runs from the final day to reach what would be a new record victory total of 346.
Jonathan Trott was unbeaten on six and Ian Bell four not out at the close.
The Proteas, 1-0 up in three-match series, will replace England as the world's number one Test side if they avoid defeat on Monday.
Hashim Amla, whose 121 was the cornerstone of South Africa's second innings 351, said England faced a tough task.
