Michael Vaughan enjoyed his first victory as England Test captain as South Africa were beaten by 70 runs in the third Test at Trent Bridge on the fifth and final day.

England debutant James Kirtley did the damage on Monday, the Sussex paceman taking 6-34 as South Africa, chasing 202 to win, were bowled out for 131 before lunch.

The result saw England level the five-match series at 1-1 and put behind them the memory of Vaughan's first match in charge, the second Test at Lord's, where they suffered an innings and 92 run thrashing.

England now head into Thursday's fourth Test at Headingley with high hopes of repeating their 1998 home effort when, having been 1-0 down, they beat South Africa 2-1.

"This is the best match of my career," said Vaughan.

"Now we have to build on this performance starting at Headingley on Thursday," he added.

His South African counterpart, Graeme Smith, insisted his team could recover from this defeat.

"We showed a lot of character and I'm sure we can bounce back in the next Test," he said.

Reflecting on the absence at Headingley of Shaun Pollock, who is returning home to be with his pregnant wife, added: "Shaun's a world class cricketer but there are a lot of guys who are ready to step up to the plate and take their chance."

The Proteas resumed on 5-63, still needing another 139 runs for victory, with first innings heroes Neil McKenzie six not out and Mark Boucher nine not out.

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