Taylor has been ruled out of the series after being identified as a primary contact of a COVID-19 positive case in Jamaica, forcing her into a period of isolation.

In her place, experienced off-spinner Anisa Mohammed will serve as interim captain for the series.

While Taylor’s absence will be felt, lead selector  Ann Browne-John is confident the team can step up.

“It is unfortunate that Stafanie will not be available for this series but there are a number of experienced players who we would be looking to, to fill any void,” Browne-John said. “The young player Qiana Joseph brings another left-hand batter option as well as left arm orthodox bowling which has been lacking in the team. This will be a good test coming out of the recent Pakistan series,  since South Africa is one of the higher ranked teams.”

West Indies squad for first T20I
Anisa Mohammed (c), Deanda Dottin (vc), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Shabika Gajnabi, Chinelle Henry, Qiana Joseph, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Chedean Nation, Shakera Selman

It will be West Indies’ first series since beating Pakistan in ODI and T20I campaigns in July.

The three T20Is will all take place at Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground (SVRCG) before the five-match ODI series, starting 7 September, commences at Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG).

CCG will host the first three ODIs before the campaign returns to SVRCS for the final two matches.