England VS South Africa Test Day 3, Lord's drubbing by South Africa
England's "bazball" mode was absent throughout the first test match, resulting in their fourth defeat by an innings at Lords
South Africa celebratesThe number of overs South Africa batted in their first inning, England couldn't even bat those in both of their innings combined. England got bundled out for 165 runs in the first and 149 in the second innings, eventually losing the game by an innings and 12 runs.
With just three wickets left to defend on Day 3, Proteas added another 37 runs extending the lead to 161 runs. The lead wasn't that big, considering the expectation from England's side. But the Proteas' pace attack owned the pitch and gave an embarrassing defeat to the host.
England probably would be now tired of the failure of their opening pair. Alex Less and Zak Crawley failed again to give a better start, followed by another middle-order collapse.
In the post-match presentation, Ben Stokes said, "Maybe there was a case for some of the guys to get a first-class game, but I don't want to be talking about it."
Anrich Nortje's spell, where he took three wickets in 10 balls, bowling over 150 Kmph, destroyed the hosts, as England dropped from 81/3 to 86/6. Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad were the only pair able to build a partnership of 50+ runs for England.
Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada finished the game by taking the leftover wickets of tail-enders. England, trailing by 161 runs at the start of their second innings, got all out at 149.
Dean Elgar said, "Didn't think, especially waking up this morning. We thought they'd bat hard and get a big lead."
South Africa is now leading this three-match test series by 1-0. Both teams will move to Manchester for the second test on 25th August.
Hope to see some "bazball" in the next test match!
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