Ranked no.8 in ICC ODI Rankings, England had another reality check as they went into the first ODI of the series against South Africa at home under-prepared. England succumbed to their lowest total at Headingley, Leeds, since 1975. From 100/3, they were bowled out for 131 in 24.3 overs. Following the embarrassing defeat, former England captain Michael Atherton said that the Harry Brook-led side has been "caught cold" by the Proteas as the series started just after the Hundred.
"England, without question, have been caught cold," he told Sky Sports. "South Africa look like a side who have been together playing serious international cricket.
"England's players have been through a month of The Hundred - the eliminator and finals were this weekend - so they arrived in dribs and drabs to Headingley. They've had no chance for preparation, they're playing a completely different format - and it showed.
"It's a sharp reminder that England need to get switched on to international cricket, which is of a different level and intensity - as Sonny Baker found out - than franchise cricket. And they've got to adjust to 50-over cricket, which again demands a different tempo and length than the 100-ball format they've been playing."
Good start to ‘calamitous and curious collapse’
Atherton resorted to constructive criticism as he feels that England batters were not reckless but they lack the art of cruising in ODIs, which is entirely different that the T20 and The Hundred format.
"I don't think England were reckless with the bat - and there were no warning signs in the powerplay of what was to come," he added.
"Tempo is a big thing in 50-over cricket because you have to find a cruising speed. You can't go hell for leather like in a T20 or The Hundred or dawdle like you can in Tests.
"You have to find a happy balance, and England started well but then came a calamitous and curious collapse. It was hard to understand - the pitch was good, and it wasn't spinning or ragging.
"I really think England were caught cold and napping after very little preparation. With two ODIs and a T20 series left, they need to get with it now."
Apart from Jamie Smith, no other batter could not make an impact. Keshav Maharaj got four, Wiaan Mulder struck thrice whereas Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi got one wicket apiece in the absence of an injured Kagiso Rabada.
Markram blows away on-debut Baker
In the run chase, Aiden Markram's exceptional hitting blew away the hosts despite Jofra Archer's economical opening spell. Debutant Sonny Baker ended up conceding 76 runs from seven overs, most expensive for England on debut. Adil Rashid struck thrice but South Africa chased down the target in 21st over. Markram starred with a 55-ball 86 but missed the chance to score his fourth ODI ton.