Justin Ontong is back in international cricket after a three-year absence. And Ashwell Prince is out.

Cobras batsman Ontong, who last played for the Proteas in 2009, has been drafted into the South African teams to tour New Zealand next month. He has been included in both the ODI and T20 sides.

Prince, who was dropped after the Durban test against Sri Lanka, appears to have come to the end of his international career.

The 34-year-old veteran of 66 tests scored his last test century in March 2009, against Australia at Newlands. His batting average has since slumped from a career-best 41.64 to 25.69.

Like Prince, Ontong has been part of the Proteas intermittently over the years and last featured in the team in 2009 when he was part of the World T20 side, but never played. His last turnout for the Proteas in an ODI was against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom in 2008, whereas his last T20 match was in March 2009 in Centurion against Australia.

National selectors and the Proteas management will be hoping Ontong will return to the international stage in the same manner as current South African darling - Vernon Philander. The bowler also had a three-year gap in his international career.

Convener of selectors Andrew Hudson said: "Ontong fully deserves this latest call-up. He has shown outstanding domestic form this season and I believe he has developed into a more mature cricketer. His finishing ability was a key factor in the Cobras' success in winning the one-day cup.

"He is a complete limited-overs package, being a fine batsman who will strengthen our fielding disciplines and also give us another bowling option."

Besides Ontong's call-up, the inclusion of on-form Richard Levi in the T20 side and JP Duminy getting the nod ahead of Ashwell Prince in the test squad, there were no more surprises in the selection of the squads for the three formats.

Marchant de Lange, who made his test debut in the Sri Lanka series, is set to make his T20 debut on the tour after being included in the squad for the shorter version of the game, while all-rounder Jacques Kallis and fast bowler Dale Steyn will be rested for the T20 matches.

"We've decided to try out some exciting new options in the T20 squad, such as Levi, Ontong and De Lange. There are only 11 matches left in this format before we travel to Sri Lanka for the ICC World T20 and this is really the last chance to explore the talent we have at our disposal," said Hudson.