The South African cricketers have recovered to finish the first day of the third and final test against England at Lord's on 262 for 7.
After winning the toss and deciding to bat, the Proteas were 54 for 4 at one stage after pace bowler Steven Finn had taken 3 wickets in 7 balls.
JP Duminy made 61, while Vernon Philander is unbeaten on 46.
James Anderson has also taken 3 wickets.
South Africa lead the series 1-nil and will overtake England at the top of the Test rankings if they win the series.