"Experience is key" - Smith

South Africa captain Graeme Smith knows his top order will come under pressure in England but thinks they have the experience to cope.

The top two sides in the world meet over three Tests later this summer with the number one ranking, currently held by England, at stake.

Opening batsman Smith, who now only leads his country in the five-day format, will be making his fourth tour of England, where he averages 72.20 in nine Tests.

"I believe we have enough batters that have performed over time under that sort of pressure in England," said Smith.

"Even the guys who haven't been there before have played lots of county cricket and experienced the conditions.

"It's all about partnerships and creating that credibility to perform well together.

"The top six as a whole needs to be really tight and perform well for each other - that is going to be a key factor in the series."