The light went out on England's hopes

England captain Michael Vaughan took solace from an unbeaten Test record in 2004 despite bad light preventing his side from claiming victory in Durban.

England were two wickets short when play was halted 15 overs early.

"We're obviously disappointed not to go 2-0 up, but after the second day we looked like losing the match and the comeback was extraordinary," he said.

"We haven't made it nine victories in a row but we're now unbeaten in 13 games, which is an amazing achievement."

Vaughan's only query was the umpires' decision to offer the light without giving him the opportunity to bring on a spinner.

It's unfortunate for cricket but we tried to be consistent Umpire Simon Taufel Read Taufel's explanation

"Facing the likes of Steve Harmison in that light was not easy," he said.

"If they'd given me an over or so I would probably have put Ashley Giles and myself straight on, but that's not a real complaint.

"It was pretty dark and it was hard to bat, so we would have done exactly the same."

England now move on to Cape Town, where the third Test starts on Sunday.

"We have had two great Tests and I'm sure there will be three more to come," Vaughan added.

"We've just got to make sure that 2004 has not been a lucky year, and that 2005 continues the success we've had."

We could have easily lost this but we have an opportunity still Graeme Smith

Coach Duncan Fletcher also saluted the impressive way the team fought back from a 193-run first-innings deficit.

"We looked down and out that first day but we fought back magnificently," he said.

"You've got to be pleased with the huge second-innings total after the first day on a difficult wicket."

Asked about possible changes to the attack for the next Test, he said: "We did a lot of bowling today but not an enormous amount.

"We'll have nothing tomorrow and make a decision then."

South Africa skipper Graeme Smith was full of praise for the partnership of 85 between AB de Villiers and Shaun Pollock, which effectively saved his team from defeat.

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"It gives us a lot of confidence," he said.

"It was super for the rest of the side to see. They set a standard we all need to look at.

"We played really good cricket for three days and had to fight for the last two. England fought for the first three so overall it was a very good Test.

"We could have easily lost this but we have an opportunity still."

Smith was pleased to see Jacques Kallis and Jacques Rudolph also find form but insisted improvements were still needed.

"There are a few guys who are starting to feel a bit better but it's important we start cashing in," he said.

"The problem with our batting at the moment is we're getting too many 60-70 partnerships.