By Martin Gough

If you had listened to players on both sides after South Africa's come-from-behind fourth Test victory, you might have thought character was the only difference between the sides.

England were left dejected by a cohesive South Africa side

"We're extremely delighted with the result," said South Africa captain Graeme Smith.

"The boys showed tremendous character, immense determination and hunger to do well. A lot of men stepped up to the plate and counted in this game."

Said his England counterpart Michael Vaughan: "Over the five days, South Africa were more disciplined and played smarter cricket than we did.

"[But] we showed at Trent Bridge the character in the side and we have to show character again."

And Jacques Kallis, whose 6-54 sealed the match: "When we were down and out on the first morning for guys to fight the way they fought was unbelievable.

"It showed the character in the side."

Those who regularly log post-match reaction might suggest other alternatives to avoid boredom: soul, spirit, courage, mettle, resilience, resolution, grit, guts, determination.

For England, this particular "c" word is nothing new; it was a favourite of Nasser Hussain, who never seemed to mind whether his side won or lost as long as they showed it.

But if the home side are to turn themselves around in 10 days, to tie the series at The Oval, perhaps they should focus on another "c" instead.

FIXTURES AND RESULTS 1st Test, Edgbaston: Match drawn 2nd Test, Lord's: South Africa won by an innings & 92 runs 3rd Test, Trent Bridge: England won by 70 runs 4th Test, Headingley: South Africa won by 191 runs 5th Test, The Oval: Begins 4 September

Having reduced South Africa to 21-4 on the first morning at Headingley, and 142-7 at one point, there was no need for mental fortitude to overcome adversity; the match was as good as over.

It was consistency that England lacked as they allowed Gary Kirsten and Monde Zondeki (a number nine batsman in his 17th first-class match) a national record eighth wicket partnership.

The touring team's toughness is personified by Kirsten, who has never been a player of flair but has still maintained a Test average of over 40 in a career spanning 10 years.

But the grittiness of Andrew Hall barely came into question on the fourth day.

The player himself admitted: "I got a lot of half-volleys, and that makes it easier - especially on a pitch which is not always bouncing evenly."

England's arguments as to how best consistency can be achieved tend to be circular.

According to coach Duncan Fletcher, players are simultaneously inexperienced and at risk of burnout.

Kirsten's 190 runs proved the difference between the two sides

"Sometimes the harder you try the more it does not seem to land in the zones you want," he said with his team on the verge of defeat.

Character might not be a panacea after all.

In Vaughan's words his team-mates "play so much county cricket that it can get boring" yet are restricted by central contracts to a handful of appearances each year.

South Africa are arguably a stronger side, especially when a bowler of Kallis' ability can afford to wait until Shaun Pollock is absent to come to the fore.

"Character" has been chanted like a mantra since Smith's arrival as skipper, although their faults have only been highlighted by the supreme test that is Australia.

They are not collectively better conditioned, their strength of character has gained mixed results and their confidence is a result of their achievements on tour so far.

Perhaps it has been the difference in calibre that has seen South Africa regain the lead in the series.