The Proteas were in a position to do just that and go 1-0 up in the series after England finished the third day on Saturday on 129 for two in their second innings.

That meant they needed another 381 runs to make the tourists bat again after South Africa made a Test best 682 for six declared.

But back in 1998, on their last tour of England, South Africa won the Lord's Test by 10 wickets only to lose the series 2-1.

"We went to Holland and celebrated for a while. Holland can get a bit out of hand," added vice-captain Boucher who insisted skipper Graeme Smith would have no time for a return visit.

"Graeme's opened our eyes to professionalism," said Boucher of the run-hungry Western Province left-hander, who at 22 is South Africa's youngest-ever captain.

Smith and South Africa had another record-breaking day with the bat here Saturday.

But Boucher said: It's no good getting records unless you win the Test series."

South Africa's total, in which Smith's 259 was the cornerstone, surpassed their previous record of 622 for nine declared made against Australia at Durban in 1969-70.

"Graeme said last night at the team meeting that he wanted to go past the South African record.

"But we were really batting to get 500 ahead," said Boucher who himself smashed a 51-ball 58.

South Africa got rid of both England openers, captain Michael Vaughan and Marcus Trescothick, before stumps and Boucher said that dismissing Vaughan, out for 29 and leading England for the first time in a Test match, was particularly important.

"We're very happy to take two wickets on the third day, especially Michael Vaughan who can bat for long periods."

Earlier Smith become one of only four men in history to have made double centuries in successive Tests after his national record 277 in the drawn series opener at Edgbaston.

"Graeme's the kind of guy who's never satisfied. He leads from the front and what a way to lead with two double hundreds in two Tests," Boucher said.

England pace bowling all-rounder Andrew Flintoff got through 40 overs in South Africa's innings and afterwards said: "That's the most I've ever bowled."

He admitted England had failed to come to terms with Smith's distinctive style. "Graeme Smith plays in strange areas. He's got an unorthodox technique. He's very strong through the leg-side and if you stray wide he'll cut you.

"We're probably guilty of not putting the ball in the right areas enough," Flintoff added.

"It's something we're desperately trying to do all the time. But sometimes it doesn't happen for you," said Flintoff whose figures of one for 115 would have been better if England had held their slip catches.

England will resume Sunday with experienced duo Mark Butcher 33 not out and former captain Nasser Hussain 36 not out.

"Nasser's been in this position before," said Flintoff who said he hoped reports that Hussain, who resigned the captaincy Monday, was about to retire from Test cricket were untrue.

"He's been a fantastic player for England over the past few years. If he went there would be a hole left."