By Jonathan Agnew BBC cricket correspondent

Boucher and Adams toast South Africa's win

Andrew Flintoff's brilliant, Bothamesque century was easily the highlight of an entertaining day.

But even that was not enough to dispel the disappointment of England's crushing defeat.

The result was never in doubt from the moment South Africa bombed them out for only 173 on the first day.

It was a truly pitiful effort that was put into its true context by South Africa's massive reply.

Throughout the match, England's batsmen gifted their wickets and Butcher and Hussain were guilty of that again today after their stubborn stand of 126 for the third wicket.

Butcher flicked casually to midwicket for 70 and Hussain's pull stroke five minutes before lunch can only be described as grotesque.

This exposed Stewart who edged his second ball to slip and when McGrath was caught behind in the first over after the break, England had lost three wickets for no runs in seven balls.

Flintoff began calmly but, as partners deserted him, he became increasingly outrageous in his strokeplay.

Five huge sixes sent the crowd wild with delight and one Pollock over was ruthlessly despatched for 20.

South Africa were not to be denied, but they were certainly bruised and none of the bowlers will forget his first experienced of being 'Freddied'.

England's management have a great deal to consider at the end of this dramatic week.

There will be an anxious wait for a number of players before Saturday's team announcement

It might be as well for them to take a day or two 'out of the bubble', to quote Duncan Fletcher, and reflect upon what has happened.

They deny that they were bumped into this difficult situation by Hussain's sudden resignation, but increasingly they will see that, in fact, they were.

Vaughan needs to be allowed to take control of the team, and even if he is not co-opted onto the selection panel.

His thoughts on who should, and who should not play at Trent Bridge must be taken on board.

There will be an anxious wait for a number of players before Saturday's team announcement.

At least there were no further retirements at the end of this game but, possibly, that makes it even more difficult for the selectors.