STEVE HARMISON supports England to KO South Africa, and compared it to Oleksandr Usyk versus AJ.

The former speed king is expecting more big-hitting at Lords, and the same when they reunite in Saudi Arabia.

Harmison (43), who took 226 Test wickets in England's Test series, believes the hosts will have an edge over tourists, despite them being one place lower in the Test rankings.

SunSport quoted him as saying: "If you give up a chance of winning the game in the fourth innings then someone's going to collapse under pressure."

"It's almost like Joshua and Usyk going head-to-head at the weekend. They may be able to feel each other for nine rounds. One will put pressure on the other, looking for the knockout blow.

"Can the other side come back and hit him harder?" England has done this so far in the Test series.

"England's bat unit are out in the fourth innings at tired bowlers asking 'have I got anything to come back at you?'

"Four Test matches, four victories. This is why England will be favourites against South Africa.

Mark Boucher, the Proteas coach, mocked "Bazball" this week by saying that they'll drink tequila whenever it's mentioned. Dean Elgar, skipper, called Brendon McCullum’s style "unsustainable".

Harmison, a two-time Ashes champion, disagrees and says Ben Stokes' side must keep throwing punches.

Harmy said, "For me it's been an air of fresh air. It's not reckless as some people make it seem. They aren't jumping from one ball to the next. It's just my opinion that there is freedom of expression.

"They will get bowled out at least 120 times." People need to realize that even if they get bowled out for 120 they don't have to be critical. Because they will have played in a positive manner and England should be looking forward.

Harmison spoke with SunSport for Online Cricket Betting.