PORT ELIZABETH, Feb 4: Vikram Solanki took advantage of a late call-up and top-scored for England in the third limited overs international against South Africa at St George's Park Friday.

Solanki made 66 as England reached 267 for eight after winning the toss. Solanki replaced England captain Michael Vaughan, still suffering from a stomach illness which prevented him from fielding in the tied second match in Bloemfontein.

Vaughan decided after taking part in the pre-match warm-up that he was not fit enough to play. Marcus Trescothick took over as captain. Batting at number three, Solanki shared half-century stands with Geraint Jones, Andrew Strauss and Kevin Pietersen before he was caught at long-off in the 40th over.

Fast bowlers Andre Nel and Makhaya Ntini both took three wickets for South Africa, with England losing momentum towards the end of the innings. Trescothick got England off to a quick start on a ground where batting first in day-night matches is usually an advantage, hitting five fours and a six as he made 33 of the first 49 before he skied a catch off Nel to South African captain Graeme Smith at mid-off.

Solanki, 28, batted solidly and played an anchor role while his partners went for their shots. Kevin Pietersen, who again got a hostile reception from the crowd in the country of his birth, was out for the first time in the series when he was caught at mid wicket off Nel for 33, hit off 37 balls.

It was only the second time he had been dismissed while scoring 267 runs since making his international debut. South Africa brought back left-arm spinner Nicky Boje for a day-night match to be played on what is usually a slow pitch.

Boje, who replaced Andrew Hall, bowled steadily to take one for 42 in an unbroken ten-over spell. A strong westerly wind blew across the ground after some light rain fell earlier in the day, delaying the start by 15 minutes. England lead the seven-match series 1-0.

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