Christmas comes early for Pietersen

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Harmison compared Wednesday night to Christmas Eve, such was his excitement at a return to the side after an eight-match absence, and he responded with a hostile performance on the opening day which included two wickets.

"God only knows how Kev felt going into his first game as England captain but I was just pleased to be back," he admitted.

"Obviously I was nervous coming back in," added Harmison, 29. "I got a text message off Kevin last night to say welcome back and good luck.

"I just said to him it felt like Christmas Eve, I was so excited for the game."

Harmison's new-ball partner James Anderson pitched in with three wickets, his first taking him to 100 in Tests, as South Africa were blitzed for 194 despite winning the toss.

England's attack went through the tourists so quickly that by the close, South Africa's lead had been reduced by 49 runs for the loss of Andrew Strauss.

"Obviously momentum went from the first over," Harmison said. "England as a team were fantastic. There were 11 leaders out there.

"Kevin did a fantastic job. I thought he was brilliant as captain. He didn't get challenged that much because a lot of things he did went right for him and the things we did went right for us."