England need 197 with all second innings wickets in hand to win the fourth and final cricket test against South Africa after dismissing the visitors for 318 on the fourth day at the Oval.
Rain stopped play before England had scored.
AB de Villiers made 97 and completed a 95-run eighth wicket partnership with Paul Harris (34) to keep South Africa in the game.
The Proteas have already clinched the series 2-0.
