England collapse to a MISERABLE innings defeat to South Africa inside three days at Lord’s as Proteas captain Dean Elgar draws first blood against Ben Stokes after criticising the hosts’ ‘Bazball’ revolution
- England collapsed to an innings defeat in the first Test against South Africa
- The hosts’ failed to chase down the Proteas’ 161 innings lead before the tea break
- Dean Elgar heavily criticised England’s ‘Bazball’ style ahead of the first Test
- England fell to a second innings total of just 149 after a poor display at Lord’s
Ben Stokes endured his first defeat as England Test captain, after his side were bowled out for a miserable 148 before tea on day three by a rampant South Africa.
Dean Elgar’s tourists have drawn first blood in the three-match series, the build-up of which was dominated by his criticism of England’s ‘Bazball’ revolution.
England’s bowling attack managed to limit the Proteas batters to 326 before lunch, but the hosts ultimately collapsed again and failed to reach the 161 innings deficit by 12 runs.
Ben Stokes walks off after being caught in the outfield for 20 in England’s innings defeat
Continuing to struggle in England’s top order, Zak Crawley was the first of the batters to fall before lunch, given LBW after failing to sweep Keshav Maharaj.
Ollie Pope was then dismissed with the last ball and it only got worse for England after the break, as Joe Root was caught behind on six runs.
Following the wickets of Alex Lees and Ben Foakes, Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes inspired some hope with some aggressive stroke play, but the tail quickly collapsed after Broad was caught by captain Elgar.
Zak Crawley struggled again with the bat as England fell to 38-2 at lunch on day three at Lord’s
Matthew Potts swung big in true ‘Bazball’ style but paid the price as he was bowled out for one
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