Proteas’ captain Graeme Smith won the toss and chose to field in the first of two Tests against Australia at Newlands, Cape Town on Wednesday.
The toss was delayed due to rain and start of play is scheduled for 12.15pm.
Lunch will be taken at 1.30pm.
There are two new caps in the South African side. Imran Tahir, the Paksitani-born leg-spinner, makes his anticipated Test debut while Vernon Philander fills the third seamer’s spot.
Australia made one change from their recent third-Test in Sri Lanka. Ryan Harris returns to the side and replaces Trent Copeland as their third seamer.
Teams: South Africa: Graeme Smith (capt), Jacques Rudolph, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers, Ashwell Prince, Mark Boucher (wk), Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir.
Australia: Shane Watson Phillip Hughes, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (capt), Michael Hussey, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon. — Sapa