(MENAFN- Kora) Mitchell Johnson has been rested for the three-match series, returning to Australia ahead of the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh
Dale Steyn battled through South Africa's third Test loss to Australia, but a hamstring strain will keep him sidelined for at least the first two T20s
The series is important for both teams as they prepare for the tournament in Bangladesh, which starts on March 16
South Africa are ranked third in the T20 rankings, three places above Australia in a congested table
With Steyn out, David Warner would expect to build on his player-of-the-series performances from the five-day format
The explosive left-hander's centuries in both innings in the series decider were a sign of things to come in the shorter format
Warner struck 135 off 152 in the first innings before making 145 off 156 in the second, even finding the boundary with every fieldsman expect the bowler and wicket-keeper on the rope
His partnership with Aaron Finch at the top of the order, and Shane Watson's ball-striking ability, should make Australia hard to beat
Watson will also play a key role with the ball against a South Africa side led by Faf du Plessis
Du Plessis is likely to bat at number three and needs to make runs, along with Hashim Amla and JP Duminy
Without Steyn, left-armer Lonwabo Tsotsobe has a key role to play early in the innings to deny Australia a strong start
Both teams will want solid performances across three matches in their final hitouts before the World Twenty20
South Africa are in Group 1 alongside Sri Lanka, England, New Zealand and a team yet to be determined, while Australia face India, Pakistan and the West Indies.
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