Proteas star David Miller is relishing a newfound role as wicketkeeper.

Miller played the part in an interim capacity during the latter stages of South Africa’s recent five-nil ODI series victory over Sri Lanka.

On Tuesday he was named as the hosts’ designated wicketkeeper for the first T20I against the Sri Lankans at Newlands in Cape Town. Regular wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, meanwhile, was selected as a specialist batsman – and fielded at mid-on and surrounds.

‘I’m not really sure how it is going. It’s still a bit of an unknown really. I am just trying to make sure the ball gets in the hands – and I’m trying to be as neat as possible. It’s a good challenge and it’s good fun,’ said Miller.

Miller took a catch off the bowling of fast bowler Dale Steyn to dismiss opener Niroshan Dickwella – and stumped middle-order batsman Kamindu Mendis. He was particularly proud of reading leg-spinner Imran Tahir’s variation correctly.

‘I actually prefer standing up than back. I’ve played a lot of domestic cricket with him at the Dolphins and obviously numerous years with the Proteas, so I can pick him pretty well. I was very stoked with that – that was the highlight for me,’ added Miller.

‘Quinton joked that he was going to throw one at me pretty hard, pretty soon, and that I should be ready for it.’

Photo: Gallo