Joe Root survived one chance but not a second one, and Ben Stokes fell just before stumps, as England finished Day 1 of the final test against South Africa on 260-6 on Friday.
The in-form Ben Stokes was bowled for 58 by Kagiso Rabada an over before the close at Old Trafford, giving South Africa a late boost after the tourists twice had England in a hole early in the series-deciding test, and twice saw the home team fight its way out.
Jonny Bairstow was 33 not out and nightwatchman Toby Roland-Jones 0 not out at the close.
Although South Africa, trailing 2-1 and seeking to save the series, edged the day by virtue of its six wickets, a score in excess of 300 by England could be competitive on a feisty pitch that gave the Proteas quick bowlers plenty to work with.
England also still has Moeen Ali, a handy batsman, to come as it seeks a second straight series win over South Africa, but its first at home over the Proteas since 1998.
England twice had to dig deep on Friday, when it was 92-3 with Tom Westley's departure, and then at 187-5 when Root was lbw for 52 to Duanne Olivier.
England fought well both times, first with a 52-run stand between Dawid Malan and Root, and then with late-afternoon resistance from Stokes and Bairstow in a 65-run partnership that nearly took the home team to stumps.
Rabada had other ideas, spearing in a quick yorker that blew past Stokes' bat and rattled into his stumps.
Rabada collected 2-52 and Olivier 2-72.