England's honeymoon period in Test matches under Ben Stokes has come to an end with an innings and 12 runs defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Lord's.
Captain Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum have helped transform England into a confident, attack-minded outfit since being appointed in their respective roles earlier this year.
However, on the back of their success against New Zealand and India, England have been soundly beaten by a South Africa outfit who arguably won a favourable toss.
The overcast conditions on day one left England on 116-6 and they never recovered as they found themselves 161 runs adrift with South Africa making 326 in their first innings.
Despite that deficit, the bare minimum expected of England was the contest being extended to a fourth day, particularly with half of the opening day being washed out through rain.
England lose first Test to South Africa by an innings and 12 runs 🇿🇦 👏 pic.twitter.com/zb6DU4RnQo
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 19, 2022
However, wickets fell at regular intervals with Zak Crawley (13), Ollie Pope (5) and Joe Root (6) all being dismissed before the 20-over mark.
Jonny Bairstow offered a brief reply with 18 off 24, but he and opener Alex Lees (35) were back in the pavilion before 27 overs had been bowled.
While Stokes contributed a knock of 20, Stuart Broad attempted to hit England to parity but his 35 from 29 deliveries was in vain as he received no support from the tail.
James Anderson was the last man out for just one, Marco Jansen claiming that wicket to end with figures of 2-13 as the dismissals were shared between their five-strong attack.
After two unplanned rest days, the two teams will now head to Old Trafford with the second Test commencing on August 25.
Darren Plant
