PLAYER RATINGS: Zak Crawley crumbles as an opener AGAIN as England fall to a dreadful innings defeat

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

England

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.

Stuart Broad – 6.5

Picked up his 100th Test wicket at Lord’s, before knocking over South Africa’s last two, but struggled for rhythm before then. An entertaining but futile cameo with the bat.

Matthew Potts – 5.5

Not at his best, especially against the left-handers – previously a strong point this summer. It can’t have helped that this was only his second red-ball game since the start of July.

Matthew Potts swung big in true ‘Bazball’ style but paid the price as he was bowled out for one

Jack Leach – 6.5

Bowled well when he had the chance, but was surprisingly kept out of the attack until the 42nd over by Stokes. Showed pluck with the bat in the first innings.

Jimmy Anderson – 6

Figures of one for 51 did not reflect his skill, especially against Elgar early on. It was odd that Stokes did not give him the second new ball on the third morning to knock over South Africa’s tail.

South Africa

Dean Elgar – 7

The gutsy antithesis of his opponents’ more gung-ho approach, Elgar helped knock off half England’s total before South Africa lost a wicket. Kept control in the field.

Sarel Erwee – 8 

Almost gave the game away a few years ago. Good job he didn’t: his 73 was controlled, compact and the highest innings of the match.

Keegan Petersen – 5

Played neatly for 24 before a crooked drive against Potts, and dropped Lees at third slip when the catch was heading straight to second.

Sarel Erwee hit an impressive 73 to help South Africa knock 326 at the end of the first innings

Aiden Markram – 5

Briefly looked the part until an ugly prod at Leach cost him his wicket shortly after tea on the second day.

Rassie van der Dussen – 5

Like his middle-order colleagues, couldn’t convert a decent start, and was pinned on the crease by clever bowling from Stokes.

Marco Jansen – 8

Trapped Root for just eight in the first innings, and never looked back. Responded well to his promotion to No 6 by making 48 against England’s short-ball barrage.

Kyle Verreyne – 6

Alert and agile behind the stumps, but made little impression with the bat.

Keshav Maharaj – 7

Played a big part after failing to get a bowl in England’s first innings. Counter-attacked with 41 from 49 deliveries, then removed Crawley and Pope in his first three overs in their second.

Keshav Maharaj kicked off England’s collapse with the wickets of Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope

Kagiso Rabada – 8.5

A fine sight in full flight. Fully deserved his first-innings five-for, and showed off his subtler side by twice removing Broad with slower balls.

Anrich Nortje – 8.5

Pacy, furious, irresistible. Tamed Bairstow in both innings, and crucially removed Stokes with the last ball of the first morning. 

Lungi Ngidi – 6.5

The quietest of South Africa’s pace quartet, but still claimed the huge wicket of Root as England folded.