ENG vs SA 2022: Brendon McCullum reacts after Lord’s thrashing

Ben Stokes looks on as England collapse in second innings

The so-called BazBall approach endured its first setback on Friday, August 19 as Ben Stokes-led England lost to an insurgent South Africa at Lord’s.

Up against a 161-run first-innings deficit, the hosts batters folded out for just 149 on Day 3. Barring handy 35s from opener Alex Lees and all-rounder Stuart Broad, none of the Englishmen scored beyond 20 in the second innings, thus succumbing to an innings defeat and conceding a 1-0 lead to the visitors.

ENG vs SA 2022: Brendon McCullum admits being outclassed by a better side

Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum was appointed as England’s Test coach prior to their home series against the Kiwis earlier this year. Under his tenure, the Three Lions pulled off four sensational chases in as many Tests against New Zealand and India.

The humiliation to South Africa at Lord’s marked England’s first setback since McCullum’s appointment. After the defeat, the legendary New Zealander stated that his side was beaten by a “better horse in the race” and expressed confidence of making a solid comeback in the three-match series. He said:

“I thought South Africa played exceptionally well, they utilised the conditions that they were presented with and they deserved the victory. We've got a little bit of work to do but you don't go from being a good cricket team a few weeks ago to a bad team overnight so we'll try and maintain some of those positives and the beauty is we get an opportunity to come back in a few days' time.”

“We want to be the best versions of ourselves. It's not always going to work. As we said at the outset, you've got to buckle up for the ride. It's not nice in times like this but we'll come back stronger.”

ENG vs SA 2022: The road ahead

Round two of the Test challenge will get underway on August 25 at Old Trafford in Manchester. The ongoing series also constitutes a part of the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship.

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