Birmingham, July 30:

England were dismissed for an unimpressive 231 on Wednesday on the opening day of the third Test match against South Africa.

Fast bowler Andre Nel took three for 47 on his return to Test cricket, while England skipper Michael Vaughan (0) and Paul Collingwood (4) again failed with the bat.

England had a series of mini-collapses — going from 68-0 to 74-3 and 136-3 to 173-6, before losing their last four wickets for 19 runs.

England allrounder Andrew Flintoff, playing his second Test since returning from a lengthy injury layoff, was remained unbeaten on 36. Alastair Cook (76) and Ian Bell (50) scored half centuries for the hosts.

At close, South Africa were 38-1 in 11 overs. Skipper Graeme Smith (7) was out early when Andrew Strauss caught him off Andrew Flintoff. Neil McKenzie (12) and Paul Harris (10) will resume on the second day. England lost the second Test at Headingley by 10 wickets and are 1-0 down in the four match series.