Wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock is happy to captain the Proteas in T20I cricket on a full-time basis, if required.

De Kock led the team in recent T20I series with India, which ended in a draw, during regular captain Faf du Plessis’ absence.

‘The way I see it is that I was just a replacement, De Kock told ESPNcricinfo.

‘That’s the way I took it. For now, it’s still Faf’s baby. But maybe if things change and they do want me to do it, then I will do it.’

South Africa debuted spinner Bjorn Fortuin in a relatively new-look XI against India, as preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup in Australia continued.

‘For the moment, I am not looking too far ahead. I am just trying to look at how I can help out with the youngsters, with the new guys in the T20I team and by myself, just getting better and getting ready for the T20 World Cup next year,’ added De Kock.

‘But if that does come upon me, then I will try and grab it with both hands.’

New issue: Bavuma – one size fits all

De Kock, meanwhile, has been named captain of the Cape Town Blitz for the 2019 edition of the Mzansi Super League. England’s Dawid Malan and South Africa’s Farhaan Behardien captained the Blitz in 2018.

‘Head coach Ashwell Prince came to me at the draft and asked me if I want to do it and I said, “Yes, no problem.” It was pretty quick and easy. I don’t think there was much discussion around it. He just asked me right there and then and I said yes,’ he added.

Photo: Gallo Images