England opener Marcus Trescothick battled through some indifferent form on Sunday to put his side in with a chance of going 2-1 up in the five-match Test series against South Africa.

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"It's in the balance. Tomorrow is a big day and hopefully the sun will be out," Trescothick said.

"We're still in a position to win, especially if we are able to get 300 ahead."

England closed the day on 197-5 in the their second innings, a lead of 189.

Trescothick scored just 16 in the first innings and did not have matters his own way on Sunday on the way to an unbeaten 101.

"I didn't play well in the first innings and I didn't play well for the first 40 or 50 runs today," he said.

England could be hampered by a calf muscle injury to fast bowler Stephen Harmison, whose fitness to bowl in South Africa's second innings has not been confirmed.

Others are also struggling and England have already called up Gloucester paceman Jonathan Lewis as cover for the last test.

If Harmison is declared unfit, Trescothick could be called on to bowl his part-time medium pacers on Monday.

"It's a worry when you're going in with three bowlers, a spinner and me, especially with the guys having bowled so much already," Trescothick said.

Acting captain Nicky Boje said South Africa were confident of chasing down any target England might set them.

"You don't mind chasing on this pitch and the outfield is fast," Boje told a news conference. "The scoring rate throughout the match has been more than 3.5 runs an over.

"If we can knock one or two wickets over early and we get a chance to go for it, then we'll definitely have an opportunity to win."

He added: "The match was balanced, but we feel it's going our way at the moment."