South Africa square series
Pietersen's miserable form continued as he was dismissed for just 12
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Sunday, 17, Jan 2010 04:01
By Matt Hallam.
England collapsed to a heavy defeat in Johannesburg as South Africa bowled them out before lunch in the fourth test to square the series.
England started the final day on 48-3 knowing a much improved batting display was needed if they had any hope of winning after Andrew Straus, Alistair Cook and Jonathan Trott were all dismissed before bad light stopped play on day three.
However, they lost four wickets in the first hour and eventually collapsed to a defeat by an innings and 74 runs.
Paul Collingwood and Kevin Pietersen opened the batting on day four and looked positive for the first half hour. However, when Pietersen was caught by Mark Boucher off the bowling of Wayne Parnell, England's discipline and control disappeared.
Morne Morkell took full advantage claiming three wickets in quick succession.
First to go was Ian Bell who was caught by Jacques Kallis for five before Matt Prior played a reckless pull shot which was caught by Graeme Smith to dismiss the England wicket keeper for a duck.
Stuart Broad then faced just nine balls before being caught by Boucher after a review showed the ball had carried through off the batsman's glove.
Graeme Swann came in to make a quick 20 off 17 balls alongside Collingwood who reached a half-century, however, with Swann then caught by AB de Villiers and Collingwood caught on 71 by Morkell, England's hopes were all but over.
Ryan Sidebottom was the final wicket to fall when he was bowled by JP Duminy leaving England all out for 169.
The result leaves England disappointed after their performances in the earlier tests as they prepare for their next tour in Bangladesh.