'We can't get too happy and relax'

Marcus Trescothick contributed to a stirring England fightback in the second Test here yesterday but is wary about their chances of completing another memorable victory over South Africa to maintain their unbeaten run.

Marcus Trescothick contributed to a stirring England fightback in the second Test here yesterday but is wary about their chances of completing another memorable victory over South Africa to maintain their unbeaten run.

"Today has been a fantastic day for us, but there are still two huge days left," the Somerset left-hander stressed. "Tomorrow is a crucial day, especially the first session and that will probably dictate which way the game is going to go - we can't get too happy and relax too much just yet because there are still two big days of Test cricket.

"I don't think we can get too far ahead at the moment. Tomorrow is a huge morning and if we can get partnerships going again and we get a good scoring rate going then, hopefully, we'll be looking at setting totals."

Trescothick's stand with Andrew Strauss was England's first double-century opening partnership since Graham Gooch and Michael Atherton hit 203 against Australia at Adelaide in 1990-91, and he said: "Being involved is a nice feeling because we've had to fight back and work hard. It was a difficult period because we didn't bat well in the first innings and they bowled pretty well and got a lead of 190, which is a bit more than we expected. But I think we've shown the character of the team - we've had to work hard over the last year and not give up, and try to improve all the time."

Trescothick also revealed his admiration for Strauss. "You can see from the other end how well he's playing and how confident he is - he just makes it look pretty easy," Trescothick said. "No matter what they've thrown at him, it doesn't really faze him too much and I didn't realise he scores so quickly.

"You have to work at these things and we've got on pretty well since he's come into the team. We enjoy batting together and enjoy each other's company."

The South Africa coach, Ray Jennings, was surprisingly positive, saying: "Considering we only got one wicket and conceded 250-odd runs, not many sides would have handled that type of heat and the mindset of having a lead and then not having it any more."