Botha to captain South Africa in Twenty20 match against Australia

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Melbourne, Mar 27 (ANI): South Africa has named Johan Botha to lead their side for opening Twenty20 International against Australia at the Wanderers ground.

Skipper Graeme Smith and acting skipper from last week's third Test Jacques Kallis are both injured, while opening batsman Neil McKenzie has been dropped.

Botha led South Africa to a series win in the one-dayers in Australia against Ricky Ponting's side in January to claim the world No.1 ranking.

"Wins are always important. But there is going to be a bit of experimenting. We need to try to get our team for the (T20) World Cup sorted out. There's only these two games and then in June it's the World Cup (in England) ," Botha said on Thursday.

Botha is keen to avenge South Africa's two Twenty20 defeats against Australia in January, the Daily Telegraph reported.

"We know we have to start better tomorrow. We can't let Australia get ahead. We want to start really well here. We are looking forward to playing in front of a massive crowd," he said.

The second and final T20 match is at Centurion on Sunday followed by a five-game series of one-day internationals. (ANI)