Pollock set for Proteas role

Shaun Pollock's experience could be invaluable to South Africa © Getty Images

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur is set to use former Proteas captain Shaun Pollock as an advisor on the team’s upcoming tour of England.

Arthur believes Pollock, who will also be part of Sky Sports’ commentary team, could play an integral part of the team’s success in England.

“It’s nice to know that we have Polly around and we can bring him to give free advice at any time,” said Arthur.

“It’s also nice we can have him there to help with a net session at any time. It’s reassuring to have him around.”

Arthur hopes the 34-year-old’s influence can help his side record their first series victory in England since 1965.

“The structure of the tour is different to last time,” he said. “That is why we asked Cricket South Africa for an extra player on this tour.

“The key for us will be how we manage the players and how we keep them fresh and make sure we don’t have too many heavy legs going into the series.”

Captain Graeme Smith believes the tour will be easier than recent trips to the sub-continent, where South Africa beat Pakistan and Bangladesh and drew with India in their last three series.

“It is a mentally draining tour with the crowds you have and the media you have to face but the difference from the 2003 series is that we’ve tried to plan it as best possible this time around and manage the number of distractions you have,” said Smith.

“England is a great place because it is a wonderful place to have the opportunity to get away from the game.

“You don’t have to travel through airports every second day, and our bus becomes our second home.”