Lungi Ngidi ready to lead Proteas bowling attack in the UAE

The Proteas management have opted to rest many of the first-choice white-ball players for the tour to the UAE, including fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortjé, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee.

With 98 white-ball white-ball internationals under his belt, Ngidi is relishing the opportunity to play a lead role with the ball in what will be the Proteas' first bilateral series against Afghanistan.

The seamer told reporters: "I wouldn't say it is something new leading the bowling attack as a senior. The other guys, yes, are not there. But whoever is there on the day has to step up.

"It's not anything I haven't done before. I mean, coming into the SA team I used to open the bowling with Dale Steyn, so it doesn't feel any different to me now.

"I'm looking forward to helping the guys where I can, sharing the information and knowledge I have. At the end of the day, we still have a job to do, so we're going to look to do that as best as possible."

The Proteas beat Afghanistan in the T20 World Cup semi-final in the West Indies in June and Ngidi knows the Asian team can be a dangerous outfit on their day.

The 28-year-old seamer also urged his teammates to assess conditions quickly at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium and adapt their games accordingly.

"The opinion of a cricket team is purely based on what people think," Ngidi added. "It's not always the truth â” anyone's opinion on what they think Afghanistan might play like, I don't think that affects us because we've seen what they can do against other international teams.

"I don't think anyone is taking this series lightly. They've got world-class cricketers and match-winners.

"We definitely know what we are in for and the conditions have to be taken into account as well. We're going to have to assess and see what those give us and play it from there."

Following the three 50-over matches against Afghanistan the Proteas will also take on Ireland in two T20Is and three ODIs on their tour to the UAE.

READ MORE: Temba Bavuma welcomes new faces but refuses to trade Proteas success