Smith believes England lacks sting without Harmison

Cape Town, Dec 15(ANI): South Africa skipper Graeme Smith has said that England's bowling attack lacks the sting without fast bowler Steve Harmison.

Harmison, who has taken 226 wickets in 63 Tests, is not part of England's team and Smith reckons that none of the bowlers in the team are capable of producing his pace and bounce.

"They have picked quite a conservative attack. They have gone for steady bowlers - reliable people they can trust to do a certain job. But, they haven't picked a Harmison who can offer pace and bounce," The Independent quoted Smith, as saying.

"They don't have that in their squad. But, over five days in a Test there are times you need variety and how are they going to find that?" he added.

Smith further said that England are too reliant on certain players, Strauss in particular, and that will create problems for them in the series.

"They are very reliant on the openers - Strauss in particular. As captain he's batted supremely well and handled himself excellently during a tense Ashes," Smith said.

"Pietersen will bat at four, but they have got to work out whether it's (Ian) Bell or (Jonathan) Trott at three. They have got a lot of questions going into this series," he added. (ANI)