Johannesburg – Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will return home to rest ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh, Cricket Australia said.
CA's national selection panel said Johnson would not take part in the Twenty20 Series against South Africa beginning on Sunday.
Johnson played in all three Tests in the recent series against the Proteas, taking 7/68 in the first innings of the first Test in Centurion and achieving a career best 12/127 in the match.
All-rounder Moises Henriques will remain in South Africa as a replacement for Johnson.
Coach Darren Lehmann said: “Mitch has had a very long summer and we think he will benefit from returning home for a few days of rest with his family where he can freshen up.
“He will link back up with the squad in Bangladesh ahead the ICC World Twenty20.”
Australia’s first match of the ICC World Twenty20 is against Pakistan in Dhaka on March 23. – Sapa