Freddie’s boots too big yet for Broad to fill: Pollock

He fears that placing too much pressure on Broad this winter could see him struggle on one of the toughest tours on the international calendar.

“Freddie’s boots are big boots to fill. Broad needs to be given the time to develop at his own pace. He bowled superbly at The Oval and scored some valuable runs down the order,” The Mirror quoted Pollock,as saying.

“But there’s a big difference between contributing at No.8 and being expected to score runs at No.7.” Broad ran through Australia’s batsmen in the final Test at The Oval to set up a famous win.

With South Africa boasting a number of fast bowlers,Pollock believes the absence of Harmison has handed South Africa a massive boost even before the tour gets under way.

“I’m surprised that Harmison didn’t make the touring party,he’s always a nice option to have. He’s the sort of bowler that can rip through a batting line up,especially given that the wickets out here are going to be harder and bouncier than the ones back home,” Pollock said.

“He would have been someone who,if he had got it right,could have given South Africa’s top order a very tough time. Steve is the kind of guy who can knock over a side very quickly – which is what Dale Steyn can do for South Africa,” he added.