Bowlers boost Pietersen at The Oval

By Clare Lovell

LONDON (Reuters) - Recalled England fast bowler Steve Harmison took two wickets in two balls and James Anderson captured three to help dismiss South Africa for 194 on Kevin Pietersen's first outing as test captain on Thursday.

At the close of the first day of the fourth and final test England were 49 for one after South Africa replied to England's aggressive bowling by capturing the wicket of Andrew Strauss for six.

Pietersen, whose side have already lost the series, will have enjoyed the pace and swing his bowlers found on a largely overcast day at The Oval.

All made contributions with spinner Monty Panesar, who delivered only 2.5 overs, adding two wickets for four runs while Stuart Broad, expensive early on, also took two in the South African tail.

Andrew Flintoff claimed the first wicket of the day by dismissing Neil McKenzie before lunch.

Harmison dismissed South Africa captain Graeme Smith (46) and Hashim Amla (36) in the 32nd over of the day before Anderson, swinging the ball late, dismissed Jacques Kallis lbw for two.

A delighted Harmison said he always believed he would get back into the test side.

"I missed it. I love playing for England," he said, but added he felt spending a little time away had refreshed his game.  Continued...