Australia will meet South Africa in Twenty20 clashes in Melbourne on Sunday and in Brisbane on January 13 while the five-match Commonwealth Bank Series will begin on January 16 at the MCG.

Hayden's absence has made way for New South Wales opener David Warner. "New South Wales opener David Warner has been selected in the KFC Twenty20 squad after some eye-catching performances particularly this year. He adds a dynamic nature to the top of the order and we look forward to seeing his performances at the international level. Queensland all-rounder Ryan Harris has also been added to the squad for the KFC Twenty20 games," he said.

Shaun Tait made a comeback to the team after a long layoff due to personal reasons. "It is exciting for Australian cricket that Shaun Tait has been selected in both the series squads. Although he has had some injury problems since playing a leading role in the 2007 ICC World Cup, he is an explosive weapon at his best and we hope he will play a key role in both forms of the game this summer," Hilditch said.

Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson will not take part in the two KFC Twenty20 matches or first two of the Commonwealth Bank Series matches.

"It has been advised by team medical and fitness staff that due to his workload over the last few months he should continue to be monitored. For this reason he will not be available for selection in these matches," Hilditch said.

Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said: The team will also miss the services of batsman Michael Clarke, who suffered some ligament damage to his right thumb during the first Test against South Africa in Perth, in the T20 matches.

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