England suffered their first victory under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, as South Africa’s sensational attack carried them to a romping innings win at Lord’s.
England’s gallivanting style of cricket – dubbed Bazball as they swept to four superb wins against New Zealand and India earlier in the summer – has always had a boom or bust feel. And the bust came in some style, with the Test effectively over in six sessions.
South Africa, who are top of the World Test Championship (and for a reason) were outstanding. They won a crucial toss, and took full advantage to get ahead of the game on the opening day. They then batted with maturity and good sense to forge a first innings lead of 161, which was enough not to need to bat again.
That was because of the class of Keshav Maharaj, bowling for the first time in the match, picking up two wickets before the lunch, then fearsome fast bowling from Anrich Nortje in the afternoon, which brought him three wickets in a spell that touched 95mph.
England actually had a bright start to the third and final day, as Stuart Broad took a sensational diving catch at midwicket to dismiss Kagiso Rabada in the opening over.
But South Africa were able to build their lead, from 124 overnight to 161 overall. That was in part due to England’s telegraphed tactics, which left vast swathes of the outfield unprotected, and allowed South Africa to fill their boots. Even with the new ball, England went for a short ball strategy; when they finally decided to pitch it up and employ some slips, Broad picked up the final two wickets to massage his figures after a rusty display.
That left England 12 overs to navigate before lunch, and the introduction of Maharaj troubled them. He picked up the wicket of Zak Crawley, who is struggling badly, in his first over, and Ollie Pope, on review, on the stroke of lunch. After Ben Stokes on day one, this was the second time England lost a review the final ball before a break in this Test. Both were vital wickets.
After lunch, it was the pace bowlers causing carnage. Lungi Ngidi had Joe Root caught at second slip, giving him a double failure, then Nortje got to work. He had too much for Jonny Bairstow, Alex Lees and Ben Foakes, all caught behind.
For seven overs, England resisted, with Broad, slogging, and Stokes, giving the tailender the strike, putting on 55 in no time. It could not last, and Broad was caught at mid-off off Rabada, then Potts surrendered his wicket.
Stokes felt the need to slog, and was caught in the deep, making the innings defeat inevitable. Marco Jansen finished the job, bowling Jimmy Anderson, to complete a remarkable victory.
