South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has hailed an "outstanding day" for the Proteas as they took control of the first test against England.

Smith led his side's charge, reaching 131 before finally being bowled by Tim Bresnan, and he was accompanied by an imperious 183 not out from Hashim Amla, with Jacques Kallis making an unbeaten 82 as well.

The tourists finished the day on 403-2, 18 runs ahead of England, but Smith was keen to stress the importance of the two remaining days.

"It was an outstanding day, we knew we had to make a few plays and we've done that. Now there are two big days left in the Test match," said Smith.

"We're a mature unit and we know when we need to step it up.

"It wasn't a terrible day one but there weren't many highlights for us. At 260 for three it would be easy to let the game slide and give England dominance."

Smith's century was his seventh against England, a tally that includes two double centuries.