Durham fast bowler Harmison, in his first match back since March, removed South Africa captain Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla three-quarters-of-an-hour into the afternoon session.

Smith top-edged a hook to fine-leg and, after the batsmen crossed, Amla's stumps were rearranged in spectacular fashion by a full delivery.

Star batsman Jacques Kallis was then sent back by James Anderson, operating from the Vauxhall end, via a leg-before decision as South Africa slumped to 105 for four.

Kallis was a prize 100th Test scalp for Anderson, who swung the ball in to earn a straightforward decision from umpire Aleem Dar.

Suddenly, Kevin Pietersen's debut as England Test captain had been given a different complexion, following the burst of three wickets for two runs in eight balls.

Having reached lunch at 64 for one, after winning the toss, Smith and Amla peppered the boundary upon the restart to charge their side to three figures for the loss of just Neil McKenzie.