Botha on Australia’s radar
Former Proteas skipper Johan Botha is chasing an improbable dream. Over four years since he last played for South Africa he is looking to earn a T20I call up for his adopted home of Australia.
Botha has put in stellar performances for the Sydney Sixers which has led a growing number of people to call for the spinner to earn an international call up for Australia.
The naturalised Australian citizen put in a man of the match performance for the Sixers in the BBL this week and is in contention to become a dual international.
Cricket.com.au reports that when asked hoe it would feel to represent Australia Botha replied: “It would be unbelievable.
“It’s a team I’ve watched for a long time, especially growing up when South Africa didn’t play international cricket.
“Australia was my favourite team to watch. To do that I think it would feel a little bit unreal but we’ll have to wait and see.
“I suppose there might be a chance, a very slim chance and as long as there’s that there’s a little chance.
“But it’s up to Cricket Australia.
“I just need to hopefully help the Sixers win some games and if it comes my way, great, if it doesn’t then I’m going to give the Sixers everything I’ve got, hopefully put a good tournament together an few more performances like this.”
The T20 series against Sri Lanka would appear to be the natural setting for Botha to debut but selector Mark Waugh has refused to rule out a Test call for the tour to India.
Waugh said on Channel Ten Sport: “I’d say he’s an unusual off-spinner.
“He’s not the sort of guy who gets drift away, he’ll more angle it in to the right-hander.
“So he’s obviously got a different sort of release and a different grip. A little bit unusual.
“Tell you what, he wouldn’t be the worst in India would he?”
Botha has spoken of his respect for Kepler Wessels a man who played international cricket for both Australia and South Africa although he represented the men from down under first.
Botha added: “Kepler was my coach for three or four years.
“Growing up he was always one of the guys we always looked at.
“He took South Africa into international cricket in ’92.
“I’ve had a lot to do with Kepler, a lot of respect for him, and he’s influenced my career hugely.”
Latest
-
NewsRuthless Warwickshire clinch County Championship title
The Bears and Lancashire will face each other in the Bob Willis Trophy final.
-
NewsWarwickshire pip Lancashire to County Championship title
The Red Rose had wrapped up victory on Thursday but their hopes were ended at Edgbaston.
-
NewsOn this day in 2017: Moeen Ali hits England’s second quickest ODI hundred
The all-rounder smashed eight sixes to help his side beat the West Indies.
-
NewsHeather Knight happy to get monkey off back and lead England to series victory
Knight’s 101 ensured England won a nerve-racking series decider in Derby.
-
NewsHeather Knight century leads England to victory over New Zealand at Derby
Knight struck a classy 101 from 106 deliveries to take her team to the cusp of victory.
-
NewsLancashire keep title hopes alive with thrilling one-wicket win over Hampshire
A tense third day saw the Red Rose get over the line by one wicket to end Hampshire’s title bid.
-
NewsDanny Briggs stars as Warwickshire take edge in title push against Somerset
Ex-Hampshire ace Danny Briggs could have helped take the title away from his old club.
-
NewsEngland will carefully manage ‘warrior’ Katherine Brunt, Heather Knight assures
Brunt, 36, almost single-handedly made a game of the third ODI against New Zealand on Tuesday.
-
NewsThe MCC replaces the word ‘batsman’ with ‘batter’ in the laws of cricket
2017 Wotld Cup winner Alex Hartley has suggested ‘nightwatcher’ should replace ‘nightwatchman’ and ‘third’ should be used instead of ‘third man’.
-
NewsHeather Knight accepts and understands Pakistan tour decision
The England Women captain says the decision was taken out of the team’s hands.