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.

Standard Bank Proteas opening batsman, Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of this Friday’s KFC T20 international series opener against Australia after suffering a hamstring strain. The injury took place while he was fielding in the third T20 international against England on Sunday.

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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.