Melbourne: Luke Ronchi has replaced an over-burdened Brad Haddin in the Australian team for the two Twenty20 International matches against South Africa at the MCG and Gabba, Cricket Australia announced on Saturday.

The National Selection Panel said Haddin's workload was being managed following his involvement in Australia's Tour of India and Test Series against New Zealand and South Africa.

"It now provides a deserved opportunity for Luke Ronchi to come back into the Australian squad after he impressed in the West Indies last year," he said. Hilditch informed that as per the CA policy Haddin was assessed on Friday after he arrived here and it was decided to rest him.

Herschelle Gibbs turns 35 next month but South Africa view him as an important part of their campaign for the 2011 World Cup. Those plans were derailed slightly in November when Gibbs was demoted from the national setup after breaking a team curfew.

"We're expecting a huge backlash from them in this series and they have to start as favourites. There's no doubt about that." South Africa's coach Mickey Arthur.

"It's just about, I guess, starting the series well and that starts here with the Twenty20. The big thing is we've got some young blokes who add something different." Australia's fast bowler Nathan Bracken .