Just 32 overs were possible on the opening day of England’s series against South Africa, but that was time enough for the Proteas’ excellent four-pronged seam attack to draw first blood with six key wickets.
Having been asked to bat first, England were 116 for six when rain arrived half an hour after lunch. It quickly set in and, with a bit of thunder and lightning thrown in, stumps were called just a couple of hours later, despite the world famous drainage at Lord’s. A lake had formed on a lush green outfield that gave few hints of the drought that has set in since England last played Test cricket a month ago.
