"Every Test series we’ve played this year has had its challenges. In all fairness, India are one of the most experienced teams in world cricket now. They have a team that's well balanced and been around for a number of years. They have a lot of impressive names in that line-up. For all of us coming out to India, it’s a wonderful opportunity to face conditions," he said on the eve of the first Test.

Detailing South Africa's impressive run in India, Smith said: "You’ve got to have a team capable of winning series away from home. I believe we have the team. There is enough experience now. Obviously, there are some young guys who have come to India for the first time but are really exciting prospects. It will be interesting to see how they go."

Confident team

Reflecting on his team's prospects, the left-hander said: "We're a confident team. This Indian team is one of the better teams they've had -- very experienced, wonderful players. Alot of them are trying to prove some things, there is a lot of talk of youth and experience in India at the moment. For us, we're just focused on how to beat India. That's been our focus since we've arrived. I'm pretty comfortable at where we are at the moment. It was a year and a half ago that we beat India in South Africa in a hard-fought series. We're pretty comfortable about how to go about things. You’ve just got to make things happen for yourself.

"We've got our gameplans for each batter and a general gameplan as well. They come in with huge reputations but it's not our job to worry about that. It's our job to win the series. To do that, we're going to dismiss them in each Test match. It's about executing it right."

Smith said he was happy to be away from home, where the player quota controversy has been brewing. "Getting on the plane and coming here has been a bonus for us, getting away as much as we can. Most of us are focused on getting prepared for this Test. As a team, we've dealt with it in a mature manner. It's sad and difficult to keep all these things behind but the guys are mature enough to control that," he hoped.

Heat factor

Smith also felt the soaring temperature would be a factor at some stage. "Chennai generally is a pretty hot place. We knew it was going to be warm. Obviously for us, for both teams, it's the heat. How we manage through the next five days is going to be crucial,” he said.