Graeme Smith, South Africa cricket captain, says recent selection controversies have taken their toll on his team as they prepare to leave for a three-Test tour of India.

"The evidence of this week shows that the off-field stuff does have an effect on the team," Smith said.

"There are a few things we need to work through, they can't be left undealt with.

"We need to find a way to deal with these issues so we can concentrate on the cricket."

South Africa's buildup to the tour has been marred by a selection controversy with Charl Langeveldt, a mixed race fast bowler, withdrawing from the squad on Tuesday, saying he did not want to be picked on the basis of his colour.

The South Africa squad to tour Bangladesh last month was named just two days before their departure due to another controversy over selection and race.

"We need to find a way to deal with these issues so we can concentrate on the cricket." Graeme Smith

Mickey Arthur, Proteas coach, dismissed suggestions South Africa would be under-prepared for the first Test against India, which starts in Chennai on Wednesday, after cancelling a scheduled warm-up game against India A.

"There've been a lot of noises about not playing a warm-up match, but we've been in the subcontinent a huge amount lately and the guys are so sound in terms of the different techniques required," Arthur said.

"Coming home has allowed the team to be refreshed and re-energised and we thought it was the best way to refocus on getting back into the swing of things.

"We know it will be hard work, but it's a mental shift more than anything else.

"Warm-up games tend to be good for the first day and a half, and then the intensity wanes," Arthur added.

"We believe we can replicate a warm-up game quite easily with some intensive centre practices."