Life appeared to smile upon Johan Botha. After controversial beginnings to his career, it appeared life beamed upon him when as captain of the South African team, South Africa surpassed Australia in the ICC ODI World Rankings. However, he has once again been picked for suspect action. Can he bounce back a second time?
Botha first tasted the ICC’s ruler when he was reported by match referee Chris Broad during the Sydney Test in 2006. After repeated assessments, he was only cleared of chucking in 2007.
He recently led South Africa to victory in the ODI series in Australia with Graeme Smith being injured and it appeared with his nifty bowling and knack for taking wickets at key intervals, Botha was making remarkable contribution as captain and as the team’s off spinner.
But the fourth ODI in Port Elizabeth saw him being sent to reassessment by the umpires and while the South African bowling coach, Vinnie Barnes, states that Botha does not need to remodel his action like he had to three years ago, Botha once again faces a tough test ahead of him, one that South Africa hope he can pass with flying colours before the ICC World Twenty20 championships get underway in the UK in June.
A Smith-less Proteas in ODI challenge Down Under
Mickey Arthur unveils new Protea ODI plans
An old tale of committee captaincy looms
Ponting: Too Many Captains in South African Team
Captains Wary of Batting Powerplay; Call Series Tight as SA lose by Five
SA Seal Thumping Victory; Leave Australia Reeling…Again
ODI 5 Fulltime: Debutant Tsotsobe Scripts South African Fairy Tale Win
Looking at the World’s New No.1 ODI Team
T20 Preview: SA Face Host Challenge To Make Tour Amends
