KEY POINTS:
Michael Vaughan believed the four-test series against South Africa would give England's selectors and fans a good indication of where he and his side sit in the cricketing world.
When Neil McKenzie dropped a Darren Pattinson delivery at his feet and scampered a quick single to complete a comprehensive 10-wicket victory for South Africa, the England captain was given an early sign, and he is unlikely to enjoy the verdict.
Little went England's way in the second test, with a couple of highly contentious first-day decisions - Alastair Cook's incorrect leg-side dismissal and Vaughan's cancelled catch - going against the hosts at pivotal moments.
But, even so, the majority of England's problems were self-inflicted.
The surprise selection of Pattinson was a decision that would have confounded the England players as they tried to build a relationship with a man few of them had ever met before.
Selectors occasionally like making surprise choices but they should not amaze those playing; it has an unsettling influence.
Of greater sway was the performance of the players. South Africa were good but England simply did not play well enough.
In the opening three days of the first test at Lord's England outplayed Graeme Smith's side but a team has to play consistently good cricket against a high-quality side if it is to come out on top.
In the past six months New Zealand were not competent enough to expose such shortcomings but South Africa are, hence the one-sided nature of this test.
England's batsmen did not show the application required to keep out a good fast-bowling attack, with too many wickets being lost to wishy-washy drives, cuts and pushes outside off stump.
In all, 15 of England's 20 wickets fell to catches behind the stumps.
England's bowling lacked discipline too. Far too often the quartet were too short, too wide, or both. More balls need to be bowled at the stumps if 20 South African wickets are to be taken in a test, something England need to do if they are to level the series. England are not out of it. Far from it.
And Vaughan will draw confidence from the previous three home series they have played against South Africa.
In 1994, 1998 and 2003 South Africa took an early lead but on each occasion England came back strongly. In 1994 and 2003 series were drawn, and famously in 2003, at Headingley, at 2-1 triumph was completed.
South Africa have the reputation of choking under pressure and Vaughan will be hoping such frailties return at Edgbaston and The Oval. If England are to triumph they will need to make changes to their side.
Stuart Broad batted beautifully to score an unbeaten 67 and make South Africa bat again but, as a bowler, he looks tired.
Stephen Harmison could replace him in Birmingham.
A fit-again Ryan Sidebottom will return for Pattinson and Tim Ambrose may have to make way for Matthew Prior, a better batsman and a more likely No 6.
- INDEPENDENT
