 Pearson is a veteran of the England side, having debuted in 1996 |
Seam bowler Lucy Pearson has warned England against complacency as they prepare to host South Africa. England were shell-shocked to lose to the Africans in the 2000 World Cup after going into the match hot favourites.
Clare Connor's team will again carry the weight of expectation in two Tests and three one-dayers this month.
Pearson is confident England can gain revenge but said South Africa will be no pushovers.
"South Africa are unknown entities in the sense that they beat us in the 2000 World Cup after we had defeated them in a one-day series that year," Pearson told the BBC Sport Website ahead of the first Test, which starts at Shenley on Thursday.
"That really took us by surprise and I know that they've changed personnel since then.
"I anticipate we'll win and that's not being cocky, but I think we've been much more consistent over the past couple of years and they're blooding some youngsters.
"I'm optimistic we'll play well, but South Africa are never to be underestimated because often they'll have somebody who will look to be scratching around and then suddenly she's got a century."
Financial backing
Pearson believes South Africa would be a much more formidable opponent if they enjoyed the financial backing of the country's United Cricket Board.
She added that England had made giant strides since the Women's Cricket Association joined forces with the England and Wales Cricket Board in 1998.
"South Africa do not have the support of the main board like we do and I think they struggle a bit financially," she said.
"We have a clear infrastructure and are reaping the rewards of that.
"South Africa are always fiercely competitive but I think they would be a far greater threat with better funding."
Pearson will be looking to add to her impressive cv after she became the first woman to take 10 wickets in an Ashes Test in the winter and was later named Women's Player of the Year for 2002/03.
MMIX
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