The left-handed Rudolph, batting at number three, made 84 not out in a South African total of 164 for three at tea.

Rudolph had to face the third ball of the match after South African captain Smith edged Matthew Hoggard's second delivery to third slip before a run had been scored.

Rudolph and debutant opener AB de Villiers put on 63 for the second wicket but South Africa were plunged into trouble at 66 for three when De Villiers (28) and Kallis were dismissed in quick succession.

De Villiers was trapped leg before by Andrew Flintoff and Kallis played outside a fast full toss from Steve Harmison which crashed into the base of his off-stump.

Rudolph and vice-captain Boeta Dippenaar (41 not out) then went some way towards justifying Smith's decision to bat on a well-grassed but slow-paced pitch, putting on an unbeaten 98 for the fourth wicket.

Conditions became increasingly difficult for bowling as a stiff westerly wind increased in strength during the day, blowing across the pitch.

Rudolph, in his 19th Test, played one of his more impressive innings for South Africa after struggling early on against Hoggard, who bowled at a lively pace and beat him several times outside the off-stump.

Rudolph gave a half-chance before he had scored when he turned a ball from Hoggard and short leg Graham Thorpe got his left hand to the ball.

Rudolph gave a more realistic opportunity to short leg on 68 when Andrew Strauss could not hold on to a sharp chance off left-arm spinner Ashley Giles. By tea Rudolph had faced 180 balls and hit 12 fours.

South Africa included two new caps, the 20-year-old De Villiers and fast bowler Dale Steyn, 21.