The International Cricket Council (ICC) has informed Cricket South Africa (CSA) that the bowling action of Proteas and Warriors off-spinner Johan Botha has been found to be illegal.
Botha’s action was biomechanically examined by Professor Bruce Elliott at the University of Western Australia in Perth last week after his action had been reported by match officials during the third Test between Australia and South Africa in January this year.
ICC general manager Dave Richardson informed CSA Elliott had concluded that the amount of elbow extension in Johan’s bowling action for both off-spin and ”doosra” deliveries exceeds the 15% level of tolerance permitted in the ICC regulations and is thus an illegal action.
”Therefore, in line with ICC regulations, Johan is immediately suspended from bowling in international cricket until such time as he has submitted to a fresh independent analysis.”
CSA chief executive Gerald Majola they were very disappointed at the ICC’s finding.
”However, we accept it and will immediately withdraw Johan from both international and domestic competitions as an off-spinner.
”We will do all in our power now to assist him to correct his action so that he can continue his promising career.
”We will ask the sports medical and science institute in Cape Town to analyse the ICC’s findings and assist Johan to remedy his action.
”He will then be tested again, and we hope to have him in action as soon as possible.
”The matter has been discussed with Johan. He is naturally very disappointed. He will be taking our recommended course of action so that he can start bowling off-spin again at representative level as soon as possible.”
The 23-year-old Botha began his career as a medium pacer for Warriors. Proteas coach Mickey Arthur persuaded him to take up spin bowling.
Botha made his ODI debut against India at Hyderabad in November 2005. He has played 10 ODIs for the Proteas and has taken six wickets for 336 runs from 408 balls.
His only Test match was against Australia at Sydney, when he was reported by match officials for a suspect bowling action after taking 2/103. – Sapa