Murali says England would miss KP, but would struggle anyway in Lankan conditions

London, Sep 18: Spin-bowling legend Muttiah Muralitharan has said defending Twenty20 World champions England would certainly miss last edition’s man of the tournament Kevin Pietersen, but added they will struggle in Sri Lankan conditions anyhow.

“England have a good side, but conditions won''t favour them much in Sri Lanka, especially the wickets. They will miss Kevin Pietersen because of his experience in this part of the world, he is a good player of spin,” the Daily Mail quoted Muralitharan, as saying.

“They could do well but I’m not really sure because they’ll miss Pietersen in the batting line-up. I’ve played against him in the IPL. He played well last year,” he added.

“England still have a good side though and Eoin Morgan is the impact player for them. You need spinners in these conditions. Maybe the first few matches wickets are fresh but as the tournament goes on, if you want to win it you need good spinners,” he said.

Muralitharan tipped one of the four subcontinental sides -- India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka or Bangladesh to win this year''s T20 World Cup.