England reached 1-62 on the first day of the third Test against South Africa before rain forced the players off for an early lunch after 22.1 overs.
Opener Keaton Jennings was caught in the slips by Dean Elgar off the bowling of Vernon Philander in the fourth over with the score on 12, and he departed without scoring.
Philander and fellow seamer Morne Morkel bowled with discipline on a wicket that offered lateral movement.
But Jennings' wicket was the only one of the morning session as Alastair Cook and debutant Tom Westley showed stubborn resistance in a 50-run partnership.
Philander, South Africa's most dangerous bowler, had just four overs and was surprisingly not seen again in the morning session despite being the only wicket-taker.
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It was later reported he had an upset stomach.
England gave debuts to three players as it seeks to fight back after a crushing defeat in the second test at Trent Bridge.
Cook made a steady start, reaching 34 not out by lunch.
He found the edge a few times in the early overs, but settled in as the sideways movement eased as the shine left the ball.
Westley, making his debut at the age of 28, is, like Cook, a product of the Essex county team under former England captain Graham Gooch.
He showed a few flamboyant and wristy touches with his batting as he reached 24, including five boundaries.
Further rain is forecast in London on Thursday.
