Rajasthan Royals sign up Johan Botha by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	J Botha
Event:	Indian Premier League 2009

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DateLine: 14th May 2009

 

Defending Indian Premier League champions Rajasthan Royals have signed up South African off-spinner Johan Botha, after his bowling action was cleared by the International Cricket Council.

 

An official release quoted Shane Warne, Captain-Coach, Rajasthan Royals, as saying, "Johan Botha is a sensational player and we were disappointed when he couldn't be part of our squad at the start of the tournament. It is a real boost that he can now make an impact when called upon."

 

Botha had become a key component for South Africa in limited-overs games, as he frequently managed to send down ten economical overs and pick up crucial wickets. He is also a very useful lower middle-order batsman and has also captained South Africa.

 

However, his bowling action came under scrutiny from the ICC and after investigations it was found that he cannot bowl the ‘doosra’, since his elbow bends beyond the stipulated 15 degrees. However, the ICC has cleared the other deliveries, so he is available to play.

 

ICC found that his off-break and arm-ball were within the legal stipulations, but the doosra violated them

 

Botha was reported following the completion of the fourth ODI between Australia and South Africa in Port Elizabeth on April 13. The report was made by umpires Brian Jerling and Asoka de Silva, along with third umpire Rudi Koertzen.