England slumped under Table Mountain again to go behind in the one-day series against South Africa.

Just as in the Test series, Michael Vaughan's men were dealt a humiliating defeat, this time by 108 runs, at a ground which has become South Africa's limited-overs stronghold. This was their 16th win in 20 matches at Newlands.

Only new boy Kevin Pietersen, who now averages 114 after seven international innings, came out with credit as South Africa opened up a 2-1 advantage with three matches remaining.

''It was very similar to the Test here,'' said captain Michael Vaughan. ''Now we have to pick ourselves up and play a lot better at East London on Wednesday.

''We are not looking for excuses; we have to make sure we regroup and play better.''

England recalled Steve Harmison, fit again after a calf injury, to bolster their attack, giving Matthew Hoggard a rest.

Durham paceman Harmison entered the contest determined to leave his mark on the tour, having frankly admitted he has struggled with homesickness again.

But his opening spell cost 24 runs and his next two went for 20 to allow South Africa to get away.

''He has not had much cricket since the last Test and his rustiness showed, especially in his first spell,'' said Vaughan.

''If you don't hit the South Africans hard early they have enough depth in their batting order that they can hurt you later and that is what they did.''

Opposing captain Graeme Smith attempted to stick the boot in further when he said: ''Harmy is a guy who, if he gets it wrong, can go.

''Hoggard has probably been their best performer so it was hard to say what their reasons were.''

Although Pietersen slammed 75, including three huge sixes, the tourists were never in the hunt for their 292-run victory target.

Despite others falling around him, 24-year-old Pietersen, sporting a new blond streak in his hair and booed again by the home crowd, stood apart.

''Some of his shots are very, very special,'' said Vaughan. ''He played by far our best innings and certainly looks like a player who can win many games in the middle. Hhe has all the shots required to play at this level.''

Herschelle Gibbs' renaissance in the middle order continued with a 14th one-day hundred, which set the platform for Justin Kemp's late assualt, which saw him record a maiden half-century at the top level as 98 came from the final ten overs.

So successful has the switch in order been for the South Africans, that they may continue the policy in Test cricket.

Gibbs, who returned to form with a hundred and 98 in the fourth Test, said: ''It is a different mindset but I have played enough games to know how to play there.

''A chap called AB de Villiers has put a spanner in the works,'' Gibbs joked. ''He is a promising youngster who deserves a run in the opening spot. We have had a problem in the middle order and no-one else has put their hands up. So I didn't really have a choice.