The fast bowler, named Player of the Match after South Africa’s victory in the first Test, struck a vital 36 runs to lift the struggling tourists to 151 all out, before nabbing the wicket of the hosts’ star man for nine.

However, the English recovered from 43 for three at that point to reach the close on 111 for three – trailing by just 40 – thanks in the main to the in-form Jonny Bairstow (38 not out).

It ended a difficult day for the tourists, which started out so promisingly after they won the toss at the start.

The Proteas made one alteration to their line-up, bringing in spinner Simon Harmer, vastly experienced in county cricket, for Marco Jansen.

But the decision to take first strike led to early trouble after Sarel Erwee, the top-scorer in that opening game, nicked off to veteran Jimmy Anderson (3/32) for three.

Dean Elgar (12) and Keegan Petersen (21) put together 32 for the next wicket, only for both to fall in quick succession leaving the South Africans in a hole on 41 for three.

The last of their specialist batsmen – Aiden Markram (14) and Rassie van der Dussen (16) – did little to trouble the home side as they too departed before lunch with their side in a muddle on 77 for five at the break.

Harmer (2), Keshav Maharaj (0) and Kyle Verreynne (21) were the next to fall in a bundle making life even harder for the Proteas, who then had to rely on Rabada and Anrich Nortje (10) putting on an innings-high 35 to lift them close to the 150-mark when Jack Leach (1/11) ended the misery.

Apart from Anderson, Stuart Broad (3/37) and Ben Stokes (2/17) were also amongst the wickets.

Lungi Ngidi (1/20) at least provided the South Africans with some cheer with a lifting delivery that got Alex Lees (4), who edged behind to Verreynne. Ollie Pope (23), bowled by Nortje, and Root were also out within four overs of each other allowing South Africa to believe even more.

But Bairstow, who has been one of the form players in 2022, sapped the energy alongside Zak Crawley (17 not out) leaving England in control at stumps.