New Zealand skittled out for just 45 by Vernon Philander

Vernon Philander claimed five wickets (Getty Images)

Alastair Cook certainly will not be too worried about England facing New Zealand in March after the Kiwis were skittled for their third lowest Test score on the opening day of the two-match series against South Africa in Cape Town.

Vernon Philander claimed five wickets for seven runs as the tourists, who won the toss and elected to bat, were bowled out for a paltry 45.

The home side replied with 252 for 3 to lead the opening Test by 207 runs, including a half-century for Jacques Kallis, which meant the all-rounder became the fourth player in history to surpass 13,000 Test runs.

Alviro Petersen hit an unbeaten century and there was also a half-century for Hashim Amla at Newlands.

Philander ripped through the New Zealand order as South Africa began the series in the manner befitting the world's No 1 Test side. Only Kane Williamson reached double figures but his top score was just 13.

Kallis joins Indians Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid and former Australia captain Ricky Ponting in passing the 13,000-run milestone. England travel to New Zealand for a Twenty20 and one-day series, before facing the Kiwis in three Tests in March.