JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP) — Graeme Smith hit a controversial, pugnacious century as South Africa took control before heavy rain curtailed play on the second day of the fourth and final Test against England at the Wanderers Stadium yesterday.

Smith, who survived an umpiring review of what appeared to be a catch behind the wicket when he was on 15, was out for 105 shortly before a huge thunderstorm flooded the ground an hour before the scheduled tea break.

After a stoppage of three hours 20 minutes the players returned but only another 23 balls were bowled before bad light ended play for the day.

South Africa finished on 215 for two, a lead of 35 runs, after England were bowled out for 180 on the first day.

With at least a 50 per cent chance of further showers on each of the remaining three days, the weather is likely to be a major factor in South Africa’s bid to square the series.

“Thunderstorms will definitely be in my mind but a lead of 200 will be very useful on this surface,” said Smith.

England coach Andy Flower said his team needed to take early wickets on Saturday. “If we can do that we can claw our way back into the game,” he said.

Smith and Hashim Amla (73 not out) dominated the play that was possible, putting on 165 for the second wicket.

The batsmen had to negotiate some hostile bowling at the start of an extended morning’s play, with the ball swinging and moving off the pitch, but gradually got on top of the bowlers.

Smith followed up his 183 in the second innings of the drawn third Test in Cape Town with his 20th Test century and his sixth against England.

He had to work hard on Thursday evening and again on Friday morning and it took him 105 balls to reach his fifty.