Experienced South African batsman Faf du Plessis has been rested from the upcoming three-ODI series against England, beginning from December 4, 2020.

Du Plessis, who gave up captaincy of Proteas in all formats, played in the recent T20I series, which England won 3-0. Du Plessis has been allowed to leave the bio-bubble to rest.

Cricket South Africa on Thursday announced a number of changes to its squad for the three-match ODI series against England, which gets underway on Friday.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has already moved out of the Proteas bio-bubble to begin rehabilitation after sustaining a right-adductor strain. Pite van Biljon, Reeza Hendricks, and Bjorn Fortuin have also been released to their respective unions to compete in the ongoing 4-Day Franchise Series.

"The following players have been released from the squad to either join their franchise teams who continue playing in the CSA Four-Day Domestic Series or for rest and/or recuperation; Faf du Plessis (rest), Kagiso Rabada (injury rehabilitation, recuperation and rest), Pite van Biljon, Bjorn Fortuin and Reeza Hendricks (all to return to 4-day domestic series)," CSA said in an official statement.

(ANI inputs)