Allan Donald has predicted a 2-1 series win for South Africa against England in the Test series which starts next week.

The former Proteas paceman, who had a brief spell as England's bowling coach last year, believes the battle between his country's captain Graeme Smith and England's Kevin Pietersen, who was born and grew up in South Africa before defecting, would not be a major factor in the series.

"After every Test I see here, I realise more and more that England is the place to get a win," said Donald in his column for Sondag newspaper.

"But while South Africa start as favourites, there is little that actually separates the two teams in the series.

"The duel with KP will not play a big role in the Test series. Kevin will be a lot more relaxed than last time out, as he has been in England now for a number of years, but I don't think that he will stand back for us. He is likely to be as aggressive as always.

"South Africa have never won a series here, and don't get me wrong, it will be a tough task for them to do it, but I predict a 2-1 series victory.

"There is always someone in the England team that will deliver a special performance in the series and KP is that type of player."

Donald also believes England are a weaker team without all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who will miss the first Test at least as he continues his recovery from injury.

"There is no doubt that England will miss Flintoff in the first Test and this gives South Africa a definitive edge in the bowling line-ups," he added.

"This is also a Test where the performance of Dale Steyn will be very important for the Proteas side. Dale will be under a lot of pressure and these games will test his class."

More news from SportingLife.com

Live scorecards from SportingLife.com