Graeme Smith is taking no risks with the Twenty20 © Getty Images

Graeme Smith, the South Africa captain, has backed out of the first Twenty20 against West Indies, as well as Makhaya Ntini's benefit match, on medical advice. In Smith's absence, Shaun Pollock has been named captain for the Twenty20 on December 16 in Port Elizabeth.

"The decision has been taken purely on medical grounds," said Mickey Arthur, South Africa's coach. "His doctors feel that rest and recuperation is the way for him to go and they have recommended that he takes three weeks off. They are confident that he will be ready for the first Test against West Indies starting on December 26."

Morne van Wyk will fill Smith's absence at the top of the order.

The benefit match, also against West Indies, takes place at East London's Buffalo Park ground on December 14. The second Twenty20 will be played on January 18, after the three-Test series.