Mitchell Johnson and Dale Steyn, two of the biggest drawcards in the Test series between Australia and South Africa, will both miss Sunday’s Twenty20 clash in Port Elizabeth.

Steyn sustained a hamstring strain in the thrilling Test series decider in Cape Town and is likely to miss two of next week’s three T20 clashes in the Republic.

The Proteas are still upbeat the fearsome competitor and reverse-swing specialist will be ready for the Twenty20 World Cup in Bangladesh, and indeed the clash in Centurion on March 14 that will end Australia’s tour of South Africa.

“Dale is unlikely to be available for the first two matches in Port Elizabeth and Durban,” team manager Mohammed Moosajee said.

“At this stage we are hopeful that he will be available for the ICC World Twenty20 and will work towards having him ready for the final T20 against Australia in Centurion.”

Johnson was rested after bowling 34 overs in South Africa’s marathon second innings in the series decider at Newlands.

In Johnson’s 59-Test career, he has only ever bowled more in an innings on eight occasions – the most recent being in Sri Lanka in September, 2011.

“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,” coach Darren Lehmann said.

“He will link back up with the squad in Bangladesh ahead the ICC World Twenty20.”

All-rounder Moises Henriques has taken Johnson’s spot in Australia’s T20 touring party, while Kyle Abbott was added to the Proteas’ squad in place of Steyn.

Australia are yet to win the World T20 trophy in four attempts and will start their 2014 tilt against Pakistan on March 23 in Dhaka.