Proteas batsman David Miller is embracing his responsibility as one of the senior players in the limited-overs set-up.

Despite Quinton de Kock’s appointment as the new Proteas captain in the 50-over and T20 format, Miller is enjoying the current leadership position he occupies within the squad.

The left-hander was the most experienced player in the squads that did battle with England and Australia over the summer, playing a significantly mature role with the bat in the 3-0 series win over Aaron Finch’s charges.

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Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Miller said he is trying to help the younger players in the squad as much as possible, whether that is on or of the field.

‘When I came up, there were a lot of leaders around and I learnt a lot from them. Then there comes a time when you have to step up and you realise you can lead too,’ said the 30-year-old.

‘After the 2019 World Cup, I had some time to reflect and I realised that maybe because I always had senior players around me, I didn’t necessarily need to step up, but now that they are gone, it’s my responsibility to lead. So, I changed my mindset.’

Miller also heaped a lot of praise on De Kock and the work he has done in guiding the team in a new direction, saying the wicketkeeper-batsman brings a lot of calmness to the change room.

‘He doesn’t overcomplicate things and he gives us a sense of calm. He is also very switched on in the field and knows what he wants from his bowlers and his field placings.

‘He is street-smart and it helps having some senior guys from the domestic scene, like Rassie van der Dussen and Jon-Jon Smuts, around. That’s helped me too,’ Miller added.

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