SA, Aussie series cut short

Johannesburg - Australia's 2011 series in South Africa has been reduced to two Tests instead of three, but the teams will play each other in two Twenty20 internationals.

The International Cricket Council's updated Future Tours program on the cricket body's website lists the tour in October and November as comprising of two tests, two T20s and three one-day internationals.

South Africa and Australia have always played three-test series since the Proteas' return to international cricket, post-apartheid, in 1991.

It's believed this year's change is to ease a crowded schedule for players because of the Indian Premier League and Champions League Twenty20 tournaments.

Cricket South Africa says it will announce the series fixtures on Friday.