Imraan Khan, a Durban-based cricketer of Indian origin, has been selected to captain the South African under-19 team on a tour to England next month.

The 19-year old Imraan, who is an all-rounder, is studying media studies at the University of South Africa after completing his matriculation last year.

He has already been a regular in the provincial Kwa-Zulu-Natal side and captained the South African school team as well.

Imraan, who was encouraged by his parents to take up cricket seriously, said he is looking forward to the tour.

"It's gonna be a tough tour, but with the solid preparations we have had I think when we get there our guys will be ready for the battle", he said.

The right-handed batsman and off-break bowler was also a member of the South African under-19 World Cup squad in New Zealand last year, where the South Africans lost to Australia in the final.

Imraan is one of the few cricketers of Indian-origin who have made the grade in the highly-competitive world of cricket in South Africa.