England lost captain Alastair Cook but made use of good batting conditions to move to 76 for one wicket at lunch on the opening day of the second test at Newlands.
A stunning one-handed catch at third slip by rangy debutant bowler Chris Morris saw Cook depart for 27 runs off Kagiso Rabada's bowling as two of South Africa's three changes from the first test combined to dismiss the England captain.
Alex Hales, playing his second test, was unbeaten on 38 along with Nick Compton on three.
Cook and Hales put on a 55-run partnership for the opening wicket.
Cook had won the toss and elected to bat on a dry wicket with a bit of teasing bounce but looking perfect for a long spell at the crease and a high scoring innings.
England's top wickettaker James Anderson returned to the side, replacing Chris Woakes after recovering from a calf strain that kept him out of the first test in Durban, where England beat South Africa by 241 runs with just a two-day turn over before the second test.
"It's tough on Woakes but you can't afford to leave put your best bowler if he is available," said Cook before play started.
South Africa had already confirmed on the eve of the test that the world's No 1 bowler, Dale Steyn, would not be playing as he has not recovered from a shoulder injury, and that 20-year-old Rababa would take his place.
Before play, Kyle Abbott was added to the list of fast bowling casualties as he had not properly recovered from a hamstring strain and was replaced by debutant Chris Morris.
Quinton de Kock returned to the role of wicketkeeper in an effort to lessen the work load of talismanic AB de Villiers. De Kock replaced JP Duminy, who was dropped after a long run without any form.
De Villiers, increasingly the player South Africa look for to inspire success, will now be able to concentrate on his batting.
