The covers were hurriedly out back on shortly before play was due to start at 11am (BST) as rain swept across the ground.

The delay is frustrating for England who are seeking to capitalise on their 462 run lead.

They will have to do it without the key strike bowling of Darren Gough.

BBC reporter Pat Murphy at close of play

After a nine-month lay-off cased by injury, the Yorkshire bowler retired from his first Test back in the England team after suffering a broken finger at Edgbaston.

The injury, caused by a lifting Allan Donald delivery, means Gough will miss Yorkshire's Benson and Hedges Cup semi-final against Essex, the second Test at Lord's starting on June 18 - and possibly the third Test at Old Trafford on July 2.

Ouch! Treatment for Gough from physio Wayne Morton

It also means spells the premature end of the England selectors' preferred attack of Dominic Cork, Gough and Angus Fraser, the most consistent wicket-takers in the team.

Speaking after x-rays had confirmed the injury, Gough said: "It is a bitter disappointment but one thing is for sure, I will be coming back from this. After all, I have had plenty of practice over the years.

Pollock gets Thorpe with the fastest ball of the day

"It is enormously frustrating both personally and for the team as we are in a good position but I am confident the rest of the lads can help us take advantage of a promising situation."

Despite losing Gough, England's coach David Lloyd remained in high spirits about the team's chances.

Ramprakash out: how BBC Radio 4's Test Match Special described Donald's deadly delivery

"Our total is an excellent one after being put into bat," he said.

"I have not seen anything during the opening two days which suggests batting will get any easier.

South African coach Bob Woolmer reflects on his side's better day

"I was particularly delighted that we showed more resolution down the order because in our last Test match, in Antigua, we lost our final seven wickets for only 26 runs."

Throughout the second day, England's batting was characterised by steely performances after the example set by former captain Mike Atherton's 103.

Gough made 16 not out and gained some revenge over Donald by smashing him for 10 in one over before the pain became too much.

Paul Adams: 3 wickets

Spinner Paul Adams was the pick of the bowlers taking two wickets and managed to tie down the English batsmen for some periods.

Alec Stewart and Nasser Hussain were dismissed within five balls of each other but the feared batting collapse did not follow.

The delivery which hit Gough

Dominic Cork and Mark Ramprakash propped up the England innings after a run of quick wickets.

But Donald eventually secured Ramprakash's wicket for 49 with his first delivery with the new ball.

Scorecard

England 1st innings

• M Butcher c Kallis b Adams 77
• M Atherton c Boucher b Donald 103
• A Stewart c Cullinan b Klusener 49
• N Hussain lbw Adams 35
• G Thorpe b Pollock 10
• M Ramprakash b Donald 49
• M Ealham b Adams 5
• D Cork c Pollock b Donald 36
• R Croft c Boucher b Donald 19
• D Gough not out 16
• A Fraser c Cronje b Pollock 9

Extras 54

Total 462

FoW: 1-179, 2-249, 3-309, 4-309, 5-329, 6-356, 7-411, 8-430, 9-437.