Hashim Amla created history by becoming the first South African batsman to score a triple hundred, as the visitors ran away with the game on the fourth day of the first Test against England at the Oval.
Amla made an unbeaten 311, batting for 13 hours and facing 529 balls. The South African No. 3, shared a massive 377-run partnership with Jacques Kallis, who made 182 not out. South Africa declared their innings on 637 for two, a lead of 252 runs.
England were precariously placed on 102 for four at stumps, with the South Africans needing another six wickets to move ever closer to taking a 1-0 lead.
Amla was understandably delighted with his record-breaking knock. "I'm happy, surprised and obviously really excited that I managed to do something that's never been done before by a South African," he told reporters after the day's play.
"I didn't dream about getting 300, although you would love to. I've always been a person who never sets goals and I think that helps, because you can keep going and going without being limited.
"The biggest pleasure is that the team is in a really dominant position to win this Test match; I think that's the biggest joy.
"But from a personal perspective I'm really happy and just grateful that this opportunity has fallen on me."
Only the legendary Sir Don Bradman and West Indian wonder Brian Lara have managed a bigger score against England in Test cricket, and Amla, humble as ever, acknowledged the possibility of a triple hundred had never crossed his mind. "With my scoring rate, 300 is usually a very long way off," Amla, who went past team-mate AB de Villiers' record score of 278, said with a smile.
"It only really crossed my mind when I got to 250 and myself and Jacques started scoring freely. There were a lot of fielders back, so we could run ones and rotate the strike and I think that kind of helped.
"I was involved in the game when AB got 278 (against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi in 2010), so I was aware of that, but if I had got out before then, so be it.
"I'm a firm believer you have just got to keep batting. I'm just really grateful that I managed to get the highest score by a South African, but what is perhaps more pleasing is that I'm the first guy to get 300 -- records will be broken, there's no doubt about that."
Amla admitted his team were now in the driver's seat, but said the first session would be crucial. "We've got six wickets to get; I think you would rather be in our changing room without a doubt, but let's see how the first session goes.
"I think that's going to be important, as it has been in this Test match. Our bowlers have bowled really well tonight to ruffle the feathers of the English team. They got the ball to talk a bit. Hopefully we can do some good things tomorrow."
The South African also congratulated compatriot Ernie Els on winning the Open Championship. "We just walked into the changing room and we heard the news that Ernie has won," Amla said.
"Some of the guys know him personally and are extremely happy, and we all as South Africans are extremely chuffed that somebody who has been an ambassador for the country has again made the country proud. He's a fantastic sportsman."
Meanwhile, England batting coach Graham Gooch said his side were still capable of escaping with a draw. "The game's not over yet. You have to believe you can still get out of this game with a draw.
"We're not winning the Test match, it's not going our way, that's stating the obvious, (but) we're not giving up, that is for sure.
"If we can have a good partnership and take it up to lunch, there's a chance.
"England have put on big partnerships before to save games down the years.
"A couple of years ago in Brisbane, at the start of our second innings, you wouldn't have thought we'd save that game.
"It is possible but it's going to take a big effort. It's not a bad wicket, it's wearing, as you would expect."
