England v South Africa: Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla threaten to topple England from world No 1 spot South Africa on the fifth day at Lord's went on to break the back of England's pace bowlers almost literally, leaving them only a few days before the second Test at Headingley. They did not recover, and nor did England, who not only lost the series but their captain Michael Vaughan. This time at least England's bowlers will have more than a week to recover after this Test ends on Monday, as the second Test in Leeds does not begin until a week on Thursday. Amla, like Smith, made a century as well as in South Africa's second innings at Lord's in 2008. On this occasion he, like Smith, has completely negated the threat of Graeme Swann, who was expected to be England's match-winner on an astonishingly dry - given the summer - and slow pitch. South Africa's batting was so brilliant they did not need luck to go through the day for the loss of one wicket. England did not drop a catch, although the captain Andrew Strauss had missed Amla off Ravi Bopara on Friday. With two days left to go, South Africa could extend their lead from 18 to a size that will put enormous pressure on England in their second innings. In addition to having the world's No 1 Test bowler in Dale Steyn, South Africa also have a wrist-spinner who might overcome the pitch's slowness and profit from its increasingly uneven bounce. Imran Tahir should not trouble England's best batsmen but he could wrap up their tail in a hurry.