20 wickets without Flintoff may be a problem for England: Pollock - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Former South African captain Shaun Pollock has said that the touring England side would not be able to take 20 wickets in a Test without all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who has quit Test cricket or fast bowler Steve Harmison. Pollock also believes that England has come up without a bowler of genuine pace and hostility. "South Africa will still be favourites especially with Flintoff no longer a Test player. He's a big loss to England. I think 20 wickets may be a problem for England. They used to bank on Flintoff for some and have not brought Harmison. So, it will be interesting to see what make-up they go with," The Mirror quoted Pollock, as saying. "That will be the key to who wins. Both sides have established batting line-ups, but it will be the side that takes the wickets, who will win. I have spent time with Liam Plunkett and Graham Onions when I was at Durham. But, I'm not sure how they have done in the last two years. I just think without Flintoff it will be hard for England's bowlers to dominate," he added. Pollock further said that fast bowler Makhaya Ntini has lost his pace over the years, but he would use his experience against being the weak link in the team. "There's no doubt, Makhaya has lost a few yards and maybe he's not as effective these days, but he will be very motivated. He's been out of the one-day side and is playing his 100th Test and is the kind of guy who rises to such occasions. I'm sure he will be determined to prove a point and raring to go,' Pollock said. "I'm waiting to see what team they go with, but they know the conditions and I'm sure South Africa have the ability to take 20 wickets," he added.