England won't miss Steve Harmison, says Allan Donald

Three lions: Allan Donald had a spell as a bowling consultant with England
10 April 2012

Allan Donald has rejected Graeme Smith's claim that England should have selected Steve Harmison and rely too heavily on Andrew Strauss' batting.

South Africa skipper Smith has been in indulging in mind games ahead of the four-Test series which opens in Centurion tomorrow.

Smith said England's bowling attack lacked variety because they had not opted for Harmison's "pace and bounce" and warned that although Strauss had batted "supremely well" insisted there were a "lot of questions" about England's batting order going into the series.

But former South Africa quick Donald, who had a spell as a bowling consultant with England, does not believe Smith's analysis stands up to scrutiny.

"I disagree with Graeme Smith, " he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "Harmison is a factor but England are moving on now.

"Also England's batting line up is very solid. Strauss is well backed up by a very solid top order."

Donald said of Smith's comments, "it's normal banter before a Test series starts. It's all psychological stuff.

"South Africa will target several England players and England will target several South Africa players."

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