England returned to Lord’s under pressure, knowing that a repeat of their limp showing at Headingley earlier this week could cost them the series with a game still to play. After being dismissed for just 131 on Tuesday and then outclassed by Aiden Markram’s elegant run-chase, Harry Brook’s men needed an immediate response. The toss gave them the first chance to reset, and Brook opted to bowl first, putting faith in his seamers to exploit any early movement.
The crowd at the Home of Cricket braced themselves for another contest packed with intrigue. Lord’s was largely full, with a hint of sunshine overhead, though the conditions had been unsettled. In keeping with the peculiar London weather, the day had swung between gloomy skies, bright patches, showers, and warmth, leaving uncertainty about how the surface would behave.
A New Beginning at the Toss
England skipper Harry Brook tried to downplay the pressure when asked about Tuesday’s defeat. “We think it’ll hopefully have a bit in it from the start,” he said, explaining his decision to bowl first. He added, “It’s a new day and the series starts today.” While his optimism was clear, the statement raised eyebrows, given the series had technically already begun. Still, it was the kind of forward-looking language Brook has leaned on to steady the narrative.
Sonny Baker, who had endured a nightmare debut with the ball two days earlier, paid the price. Despite sympathetic voices on commentary suggesting his omission was harsh, he made way for Saqib Mahmood. South Africa, meanwhile, had their own adjustments. Injuries to Tony de Zorzi and illness to Wiaan Mulder forced changes, with Mathew Breetzke and Senuran Muthusamy drafted in.
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma admitted he also would have chosen to bowl. “We’ll just have to do a job with the bat,” he said with quiet determination.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The starting XI for Lord’s! 🔥<br><br>Toss done and we’re bowling at the Home of Cricket 🏏<br><br>🏴 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvSA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvSA</a> 🇿🇦</p>— England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/englandcricket/status/1963569932198973548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Teams Announced
England lined up as: Duckett, Smith, Root, Brook (c), Buttler (wk), Bethell, Jacks, Carse, Archer, Rashid, Mahmood.
South Africa responded with: Markram, Rickelton (wk), Bavuma (c), Breetzke, Stubbs, Brevis, Bosch, Muthusamy, Maharaj, Burger, Ngidi.
The balance of both sides suggested England were looking for penetration through pace, while the Proteas, interestingly, included two spinners in Maharaj and Muthusamy. That was unusual for a Lord’s surface, not traditionally one that grips, though their options were limited with Rabada rested and the young pacers Kwena Maphaka and Codi Yusuf not considered strong with the bat.
Early Exchanges
At 1:15 BST, with the delay caused by a damp outfield finally behind them, Jofra Archer steamed in from the Pavilion End. His first over to Aiden Markram set the tone. A full ball that angled in and straightened off the seam beat the outside edge, while the rest of the over tested Markram with a goodish length and bounce. One delivery strayed down leg, but the final ball was neatly tickled away to fine leg for a single, giving South Africa their first runs. At the end of the opening set, the Proteas were 2–0 with Markram on 1 and Rickelton yet to score.
Jonathan Agnew and Alastair Cook, on Test Match Special, sympathized with Baker’s omission, reminding listeners of the tough debut that saw him record the most expensive figures for an English debutant. They noted that while the change might feel harsh, it was the batting collapse that truly condemned England earlier in the week.
Questions Over Brook’s Words
Brook’s post-match comments after Tuesday’s defeat continued to echo. His line that it was “one of those bad days and we have to move on as soon as possible” did not sit well with many supporters. Critics felt he missed a chance to acknowledge the paying public who had endured England’s collapse. As one observer put it, a small gesture of humility — even an apology for the lack of fight — might have gone a long way. Instead, the impression left was of a team brushing aside failure too quickly.
Still, the young captain has shown he prefers to look forward rather than dwell on disappointment, and Lord’s offered him the chance to shape a new narrative.
The Atmosphere and Expectations
Lord’s presented a contrast: sunshine battling with heavy clouds, covers still on earlier in the day, and a crowd eager to see a response from England’s batting order. As play began, there was cautious optimism in the stands. Many fans remembered South Africa’s last visit to this famous ground — a moment of history as Markram led them to a World Test Championship final triumph. The memory lingered, a reminder of the task ahead for England.
The broadcasters on TMS debated whether England had miscalculated again at the toss. Some believed Brook should have batted first, arguing that his batters needed to face the challenge head-on after their recent collapse. Both captains, however, were adamant that bowling first was the right call.
What’s at Stake
For England, this match represented more than just leveling the series. It was about restoring credibility. The batting unit has been criticized for its inability to slow down and consolidate when the situation demands it. As Mark Butcher had said earlier in the week, they often equate taking a pause with weakness, when in reality it can be a sensible strategy. Unless they adapt, the likelihood of another collapse loomed.
For South Africa, the game was about consolidating momentum. Their bowlers had exposed England’s flaws, and with Markram in form, they looked capable of seizing control once more.
As Archer ran in for his second over and Markram prepared to take strike, the sense of anticipation grew. England’s fans wanted energy, discipline, and resilience. The Proteas, on the other hand, were ready to pounce on any weakness.
At Lord’s, under the fickle September sky, the stage was set for another day of drama.
