This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers.
Regular captain AB de Villiers has been withdrawn from South Africa's
T20 squad, in order to rest ahead of next month's two-test series against New Zealand.
De Villiers said today that he felt he needed some extra rest after an exhausting couple of months in which South Africa won test series in England and Australia.
He said he was grateful to the Proteas team management for supporting his request.
De Villiers had already stepped down as skipper for the T20 matches, with all-rounder Faf du Plessis set to take the reins.
De Villiers has been replaced in the 15-man squad by Cape Cobras batsman Justin Ontong.
The first T20 is in Durban on Friday followed by East London on Sunday and Port Elizabeth on boxing day.
