South Africa have dropped batsman Herschelle Gibbs and bowler Garnett Kruger from their squad for the last two Tests against the BLACKCAPS.
Gibbs has been rested, while Kruger picked up an injury ahead of the first Test in Centurion.
Haroon Lorgat, South Africa’s convenor of national selectors, said: “Herschelle and I had a meeting on Friday, and we agreed that a break and a fresh start next season will do him a world of good.
“He has therefore been released from the squads for the final two tests against New Zealand.
“Garnett is most unfortunate to have picked up a shoulder strain when he was set to play in the first Castle test at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
“With the outstanding performances of Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn in this match, and with Andre Nel in reserve, we have decided to release him”.
No replacements have been called up and the Proteas will select their XI for the second Test in Cape Town from a group of 14.
They will then release one further player ahead of the third and final Test, which starts in Johannesburg on May 5.
The second Test begins on Thursday night (NZT) at Sahara Park, Newlands.
South Africa: Graeme Smith (captain), Jacques Kallis (vice-captain), Boeta Dippenaar, Ashwell Prince, AB de Villiers, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock, Nicky Boje, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Dale Steyn, Andrew Hall, Jacques Rudolph, Hashim Amla.
