London: South Africa face a target of 331 to win the first test at Lord's after England overcame a morning rush of wickets to post valuable runs as they posted a second-innings total of 233 by early afternoon on the fourth day.

Combative batting by Jonny Bairstow, who had been dropped off a simple chance to Vernon Philander on seven, and tailender Mark Wood helped England push their lead past 300 as South Africa's bowlers struggled to match their early success.

Only three teams have won a test match by chasing more than 300 at Lord's.

Bairstow and Wood shared a ninth-wicket partnership of 45 before the Durham paceman was bowled by Kagiso Rabada for 28 off 36 balls.

With last-man Jimmy Anderson at the wicket, Bairstow reached his fifty before falling one run later, stumped by Quinton de Kock off Keshav Maharaj, who claimed his fourth wicket of the innings.