At least they've got more than they did in the 1st Innings..
But like many test matches over the last few years, we have solely lost the test match on our crappy first innings. After doing all the hard work to skittle the Saffas on the first day, we capitulated to epic proportions when we should've had at least a 100+ run lead. Now, we have paid the price for our shambolic efforts.
Not only that, the selectors have treated this match with complete utter disrespect. I know this has been mentioned in the "Rotation Policy" thread, but this match has proven that the rotation policy doesn't belong at test match level and factoring in injuries and form, it should always be the best XI who take the field regardless. The selectors thought we could play Mickey Mouse games by changing our whole fast bowling lineup for the first time in over 100 years and we've been brutally exposed for not picking the best available bowlers, as well as persevering with a bowler who has inherent flaws in his technique for years (Johnson) yet still is able to convince the media that he was a "reformed" bowler. Reformed bowler my arse.
That has been the difference between the two teams this series. I know Pattinson getting injured hurt our bowling stocks on the final day of the Adelaide test, but we still should've taken those last 6 wickets. Deja vu of the 2009 Ashes series all over again. England survived in Cardiff where we should've won. Although the result was a draw, psychologically, it was a win for England and hence took a lot of confidence into Lord's where we surrendered meekly in the 1st innings and they were always going to be difficult to stop from there.
