Sloppy Proteas punished for their careless attitude

The depressing thing about the Proteas’ opening day in the first Test against England at Lord’s is that it confirmed everything that was feared about the team’s state of mind.

One of the biggest themes in the build-up to Thursday’s action was whether South Africa could salvage a tour that has all gone wrong to date.

And, of course, whether they still have the will to fight.

Judging by England’s score of 357/5 at the close, that question looks answered.

The Proteas, eventually, had no answer to the brilliant Joe Root.

England’s new captain was irresistible in ending the day unbeaten on 184 off just 226 balls.

26 fours flew off his bat as he enjoyed himself immensely after a difficult start.

But Root had help.

On five, he attempted a hook off Kagiso Rabada (1/94) but subsitute fielder Aiden Markram came in too much from the fine leg boundary and the ball fell behind him.

Had the stayed on the fence, Markram could’ve taken the catch.

Then, on 16, Root didn’t quite control a flash outside off-stump.

The ball went quickly but JP Duminy dropped the chance at point.

It was a missed that cost South Africa dearly.

To add insult to injury, Morne Morkel (1/64) had Ben Stokes (56) bowled off a no-ball when he had 44.

Rabada at least made sure that error wasn’t too costly but the psychological blow was absolutely huge.

Thereafter, the Proteas simply looked like a team that didn’t care.

They let the game drift and the home side eventually boasted a run rate of over four per over as Root and Moeen Ali (61*) will resume a sixth wicket partnership of 167.

That is simply unacceptable.

Frustratingly, it all started so well for the Proteas.

Led by Vernon Philander at his plucky best, they had England 82/4 at lunch.

The stocky seamer varied his length and generally bowled straight to finish with excellent figures of 3/46.

Yet it was also an indication of the Proteas’ attitude.

They seemed to rely on moments of inspiration – almost as if they didn’t expect it – and when things didn’t fall in their lap, they couldn’t bother making things happen.

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