Anrich Nortje took three wickets as South Africa's seamers tore through England's top order to leave the home side teetering on 116 for six before rain brought a premature close to day one of the first test at Lord's on August 17.
England looked as though they would be bowled out for a low total before the weather intervened just six overs after the lunch interval and no more play was possible.
Ollie Pope produced a lone resistance to the visitors' relentless onslaught and is unbeaten on 61. He will resume the innings on the second morning with Stuart Broad, who has yet to score.
