South Africa Thrash England As 'Bazball' Era Comes Back Down To Earth

South Africa inflicted England's first defeat of the 'Bazball' era as they won the first Test by a crushing innings and 12 runs with more than two days to spare at Lord's on Friday. England were dismissed for 149 in their second innings before tea on the third day, with the Proteas effectively winning the game in six sessions after most of Wednesday's first day was lost to rain. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj struck twice before fast bowler Anrich Nortje followed up with a superb spell of three wickets for no runs in 10 balls as the Proteas, leaders of the World Test Championship table, took a 1-0 lead in a three-match series.

England had won all four of their previous Tests under a new leadership of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, after whom 'Bazball' is named.

Each of those wins, however, came after batting aggressively in the fourth innings, rather than having to set a total and before this match South Africa captain Dean Elgar questioned whether a policy of all-out attack would work against his formidable bowling line-up.

"Angry Nortje"

"Anrich Nortje's spell just broke the back of the England innings," said Elgar at the presentation ceremony after the Proteas had skittle out the home side in under 37.4 overs

"He ran in with a lot of intent and anger It was great to watch from where I was standing, and I'm sure it wasn't nice to face."

South Africa now have a couple of extra days rest before the second Test at Old Trafford starts on Thursday, with opening batsman Elgar adding: "We'll enjoy tonight, I'm sure. It is Friday after all."

Stokes, who took over as skipper from Joe Root with England having won just one of their 17 previous Tests, said it would be "silly" for him to be anything other than