The decision to walk off at such a tense moment in the game was greeted with booing from some sections of the crowd who were mystified at the action.

While England wanted to come off, South African captain Hansie Cronje thought that his ninth-wicket pair of Shaun Pollock and Allan Donald should stay at the end of the day's 90 overs and take the extra half-hour. Coach Bob Woolmer said that he thought Pollock and Donald could pick off some valuable runs against tired bowlers.

But when the final ball was bowled, Donald and Pollock started to walk off, Donald telling the umpires they did not want to stay on. At that very moment Paul Adams, South Africa's 12th man, came out with the message from Cronje in the dressing-room to say they should continue.

Umpire Peter Willey said later: ``We were unaware of Adams' message. We felt that at South Africa's scoring rate they weren't going to get near the target in the extra eight overs that would have been played.''

The international playing regulations say that: ``Either captain may decide to play the extra half-hour if, in their opinion, it would bring about a definite result on that day.''

That suggests the umpires have no say in the matter - though Willey was of the view that the officials do have the overriding authority. In any case, South Africa's change of mind came too late.

Woolmer admitted that he was ``not sure'' of the rules. ``I was between the dressing-room and the balcony at the time Hansie Cronje sent Adams out. I don't think Donald blatantly said he wanted to go off. But I'm not complaining. If the umpires say it was the end of play, that's fine with me. We're not upset.''

Woolmer admitted that his nerves had been ``shattered a long time ago. If we can get a start today then we can nibble away. The 11 overs left before the new ball is taken will be the key.

``It has been a fantastic Test. Shaun Pollock in the second innings yesterday bowled absolutely superbly. In the morning it was one of the best exhibitions of seam bowling I've seen for a long time.

``As for Allan Donald, they say he's injured but he just keeps running in at full speed. He's an amazing person to have in your side. To be able to call on him again and again has been fantastic.''

Darren Gough said he was ``pretty weary'' at the end. ``But this is what you expect at this level - it's the kind of cricket I always play for. We were always going to want to come off after the 90 overs. The bowlers have had to work so hard out there.''

Gough spoke of the enormous team spirit that had been built up: ``In the last couple of Tests it has just got better and better.'' He too believed the early overs today will decide everything. ``It could still go either way, but you have to back us with a fresh Gus Fraser, Dominic Cork and myself.''

During the day match referee Ahmed Ebrahim left his observation room and came across to consult the South African management. It is understood that this relates to a protest lodged by Cronje with the umpires after he was out to the effect that England fielders were running across the pitch.

Over 10,500 watched the day's play, with nearly 3,500 tickets sold at the gate. Crowd problems were negligible and Yorkshire secretary David Ryder said: ``New security measures have ensured people enjoy themselves in a safe and relaxed atmosphere.''