South Africa drop troubled Gibbs

Batsman Herschelle Gibbs has been dropped from South Africa's side after breaking a team curfew before their Twenty20 match against Bangladesh.

The Glamorgan target will miss the three-match one-day series against the Tigers, which starts on Friday.

Gibbs, 34, who recently split from his wife, will also be required to attend an alcohol rehabilitation course.

"It is clear that he has developed a problem that needs to be addressed," said team manager Mohammed Moosajee.

Although South Africa coach Mickey Arthur said the discipline breach was "unacceptable", Moosajee offered a more sympathetic voice.

"We are not trying to punish Herschelle but rather to help him," said Moosajee.

"He has been under a lot of pressure lately, notably from the publicity surrounding his recent divorce.

"He still has a lot to offer South African cricket and his many fans but this has to be done in line with team structures and disciplines."

Gibbs's wife, Tenielle, blamed his escalating drinking problem as one of the reasons for the failure of their marriage after only one year.

South Africa's selectors have decided not to name a replacement for Gibbs, so Hashim Amla and Justin Ontong are likely to open the batting in the one-dayers against Bangladesh.

Johan Botha will continue to captain the team in Graeme Smith's absence.

Smith is still recovering from an elbow injury but hopes to make a return at some stage during the one-day series.

Glamorgan signed Gibbs for the summer's Twenty20 Cup and want him to return.