Batsman Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of the Proteas’ first T20I against Australia at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Friday.

Bavuma has been sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained during the third and final T20I against England at SuperSport Park in Centurion recently.

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‘The recommended recovery time for the injury is seven to 10 days. He will remain with the team and receive treatment from the medical staff in the hopes of returning to play in time for this Sunday’s fixture in Port Elizabeth,’ read a statement from Cricket South Africa.

He will not be replaced in the squad. All-rounder Jon-Jon Smuts will likely open the batting alongside captain Quinton de Kock in Bavuma’s absence.

Batsman Faf du Plessis and fast bowlers Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada have been recalled, after being rested for this month’s T20I series against England.

The tourists will be without all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who was named in the squad before withdrawing due to injury.

The Proteas and Australians are preparing for the T20 World Cup later this year. The tournament will be hosted in Australia. Neither team have won the T20 World Cup in the past. The West Indies have won the title twice.

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