End of the road: Strauss comes to terms with defeat in Johannesburg
So, England couldn't even hold out until lunch today in the Bullring. Another batting collapse saw South Africa claim an innings win and draw the series 1-1.
Overall, it is hard to argue Graeme Smith's side deserved a share of the spoils in the four-match series. Yes, the big decisions went against the tourists but there is no argument South Africa deserved their win here.
So, where does this result leave England in the grand scheme of things? Well, many said this tour was a dry run for next winter's Ashes in Australia. So, drawing against a side who were ranked No.1 in the world up until a few weeks ago must be seen as progress.
There is no doubt this South Africa side have a better bowling attack than Australia, with Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn proving they are one of the best, if not the best, fast bowling pairing in the world right now.
So, with another English summer ahead of them, not to mention the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh, this team have a chance to develop further and hopefully iron out the issues regarding consistency which is their Achilles heal right now.
There are several issues England's selectors need to look at though ahead of next summer. Firstly, they must decide which players need to be rested for Bangladesh. It looks as if Strauss will be left out of that party and that will provide Alastair Cook the opportunity to lead the side. The Essex batsman put to rest fears about his place in the side with a century in Durban and also a big score at Cape Town. Yes, he was disappointing in Johannesburg but he was the victim of an umpiring injustice in the first innings and went to a cracking ball second time round.
His opening partner Strauss will benefit from the rest if he ducks Bangladesh. But while Ian Bell has perhaps cemented his place in the side after his heroic knock in Cape Town, Jonathan Trott and Kevin Pietersen are under the microscope.
Pietersen is clearly having issues at the minute and should be dropped or rested - you choose the terminology but it adds up to the same thing - and made to work for his place in the side for the summer series with Pakistan. If he doesn't score runs for Hampshire then don't pick him. You cannot pick players on reputation and the shock of being left out may actually spark his hunger once more.
Trott should probably be on the plane to Bangladesh, where he has the opportunity to score some big runs against mediocre opposition and get back into some form.
Paul Collingwood has been a rock during this series and was the only England batsman to show some character and fight today. His 71 in extremely difficult circumstances was a magnificent effort and Strauss can thank his lucky stars he has one of the world's best middle order batsmen in his ranks.
Matt Prior had a rush of the blood to the head today and his dismissal was the final nail in the coffin for England. His keeping has improved but his batting is questionable. When quick runs are needed he is the ideal player to come in at No.6. But he does not seem to be able to build an innings patiently. The selectors should look at alternatives for Bangladesh - namely James Foster, the Essex keeper who had a superb World Twenty20. He is a better batsman than people give him credit for, is superb with the gloves and has character in spades.
The bowling unit of Graeme Swann - named England's man of the series here - Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Graham Onions and Ryan Sidebottom are strong. Sidebottom bowled well at the Wanderers and deserves an extended run in the side in Bangladesh. Swann will also be on the plane but maybe Broad and Anderson need a rest. While their places in the side are not under threat, resting the pair would allow England to look at a few alternatives in case of injury. Maybe Liam Plunkett and Sajhid Mahmood?
The only other issue is whether Swann should be promoted up the order to No.7 in place of Broad. England are trying to develop Broad as an all-rounder but at this moment Swann is the superior batsman. Maybe if Broad misses Bangladesh they can try Swann at seven.
But overall England can be happy with the players they have, they are a developing side who can improve further over the next year and that bodes well for Australia in the winter. Make no mistake, there is no disgrace in drawing 1-1 in South Africa. It is in fact a fine result. It's just a shame the series ended in such a downcast manner.