Smith questions England attack without Harmison

South Africa captain Graeme Smith believes England's attack is lacking the element of surprise without paceman Steve Harmison.

The Durham bowler, who has claimed 226 wickets in 63 Tests, is not part of England's touring Test squad and Smith does not think any of Andrew Strauss' side can make up for the absence of Harmison's pace and bounce.

He told The Guardian: "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.

"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?"

Smith also feels the team are too reliant on their openers, in particular Strauss, ahead of the first Test starting tomorrow in Centurion.

He added: "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.

"Obviously (Kevin) 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."