Captain Alastair Cook was the wicket to fall in the first session at sunny Newlands, edging to slip to be out for 27. Alex Hales was 38 not out and looking good in his second test appearance. Nick Compton was on 3.
England won the toss and chose to bat in Cape Town, aiming to apply more pressure on South Africa following the tourists' 241-run win in the first test in Durban. England's hopes of taking firm control of the four-match series were enhanced by the return from injury of James Anderson to play in the second test.
South Africa made three changes following their struggles in Durban, losing seam bowlers Dale Steyn and Kyle Abbott to injury and dropping middle order batsman JP Duminy. Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris came in for the two bowlers, and wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock replaced Duminy.
England's openers made a bright start with a 55-run opening partnership before Cook edged Rabada's delivery toward debutant Morris, who took a fine left-handed catch down low.
That was the only stumble for England, with Hales hitting six fours and looking in good touch. Compton, who had an important influence in the first test, was typically patient for his 3 from 32 balls.
England is seeking a first test series win over South Africa in more than a decade and has made an excellent start, winning in Durban in dominant fashion and then batting first on what appears to be a good pitch at Newlands.
Quick bowler Anderson, England's leading wicket-taker, also returned after missing the opening test with a right calf injury, and should have some extra recovery time while England bats first.
Steyn's absence was a big blow to top-ranked South Africa as it attempts to fight back, leaving the home team with a fairly inexperienced bowling attack: Alongside Morne Morkel, Rabada is playing his fourth test and Morris is on debut.
De Kock's inclusion as a middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper freed up AB de Villiers to concentrate on his batting, with South Africa under scrutiny for a series of recent batting failures. South Africa needs to at least draw the series to retain its No. 1 ranking.
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South Africa wins toss and bats 1st in 2nd test vs. England
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