He may have stepped down from his leadership role but Faf du Plessis still has an important role to play in the Proteas’ lineup, insists Quinton De Kock.

Du Plessis returns to the team environment ahead of the Australia series, which starts Friday at the sold-out Wanderers in Johannesburg.

The middle-order batsman was plagued by indifferent form and captaincy issues as the Proteas slumped to a Test series defeat against England. Now, he returns unburdened by the armband with only one job at hand … runs.

‘It’s great to have him back, he is excited about going forward now,’ said De Kock, the new skipper who has continued his fine form

‘I’ve sat down and had a talk with him and he still understands that he has a big role to play for us. He is still seen as a leader for all of us, he is one of the more senior members in our team.

‘He still has a lot to offer us so I’m sure he is excited to play again for us now.’

Fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada also bolster the Proteas ahead of their renewed battles with Australia.