sport news PLAYER RATINGS: Zak Crawley crumbles as an opener AGAIN as England fall to a ... trends now
England fell to a miserable innings defeat to South Africa on day three at Lord's, as the visitors drew first blood in the three-Test series.
In what became Ben Stokes' first loss as captain, England collapsed to 149 all out after dismissing Dean Elgar's side for 326 before lunch.
Sportsmail has analysed the performances of the players from each side, as England were brought down to earth after impressing with their new 'Bazball' philosophy earlier this summer.
Zak Crawley struggled again with the bat as England suffered an innings defeat to South Africa
Alex Lees - 5
Played a hopelessly ambitious drive in the first innings, but knuckled down second time round before Nortje removed him during a fierce spell.
Zak Crawley - 1.5
England let the cat out of the bag when assistant coach Paul Collingwood said they weren’t expecting consistency from Crawley. But it’s hard to defend his continued selection after two more failures. Looks shot.
Ollie Pope - 7
Batted beautifully on the first day against a high-class attack in difficult conditions, but fell tamely to Maharaj to the last ball before lunch on the third.
Ollie Pope failed to repeat his impressive first innings display as he lost his wicket on five runs
Joe Root - 3
A rare double failure. He was undone by Jansen’s swing in the first innings, and Ngidi’s length in the second. England’s chances in this series may hinge on how he responds next week in Manchester.
Jonny Bairstow - 3
Like Root, he was due a quiet game, though he reopened the old debate about his strange vulnerability to the full, straight ball. Carved Nortje for a few in the second innings before edging behind.
Ben Stokes - 5.5
Bowled heroically, despite his troublesome left knee, but a pair of 20s continues his middling form with the bat. Faced criticism for depriving Anderson of the new ball on the third morning.
Ben Stokes walks off after being caught in the outfield for 20 in England's innings defeat
Ben Foakes - 4
His batting form has tailed away after a strong start to the summer, and twice he was a rabbit in Nortje’s headlights. His glovework remains as adept as ever, but he could do with runs.
