Smith backs South Africa to overcome selection woes

CHENNAI (Reuters) - South Africa are confident they will put their selection problems behind them during test series in India, skipper Graeme Smith said on Saturday.

The tourists arrived for the three-test series amid a storm or controversy following the omission of paceman Andre Nel to fulfil the team's quota of non-white players.

Nel was furious at being dropped, prompting speculation he will quit the international game.

Fellow paceman Charl Langeveldt, a mixed-race player chosen in Nel's place, backed out of the tour as a result of the tension created by his selection.

Black fast bowler Monde Zondeki was named as replacement. The first test begins in Chennai on Wednesday.

"It is a disappointment, (but) we talked to them," Smith told a news conference when asked about the selection saga.

"But we are a mature team and we'll overcome the challenge."

Smith said South Africa were looking forward to a close series in India with his team hoping to carry forward the momentum gained from successes in Pakistan last year and Bangladesh recently.

India put up a solid display on their Australia tour, losing an acrimonious test series 2-1 before winning the one-day tri-series, where they beat world champions Australia 2-0 in the finals.