Alec Stewart's Oval send-off was tarnished by more South African run plundering in the final Test of the summer today.
The 40-year-old wicketkeeper, making his 133rd and last appearance for his country on his home ground, was presented with a bat engraved with his career statistics to commemorate his service, which began in the West Indies in 1990.
By the time of that lunch presentation, South Africa had made the most of winning the toss and progressed to 111 for one.
Opener Herschelle Gibbs smashed 183, including 35 fours and a six, before becoming the second of spinner Ashley Giles' two wickets late in the day as the tourists closed on 362 for four.
Having taken an unassailable 2-1 lead with a crushing win at Headingley a fortnight ago, Graeme Smith's side made the most of a true surface.
England will need to claim a clutter of wickets early tomorrow if they are to retain any realistic chance of squaring the series.