Johan Botha fresh for IPL challenge

Johan Botha has admitted that he was surprised to get a late call-up to play in the IPL, with the Kolkata Knight Riders, but he is up to the challenge and wants to help his team with both bat and ball.
The South Africa-born player was chosen as a replacement for injured Australian batsman Chris Lynn, and says he is fresh as he played his last match in the Australian Big Bash League in January.
The 32 year-old Botha said: "I came to know about this eight or 10 days ago. I played my last game in the Big Bash about a three-week break which I don't think is bad before a long season after coming to India.
"It was definitely a surprise. I did not really follow Chris Lynn's injury. I did not know how serious it was."
Although his primary role in the team would be as an off-spinner, Botha also wants to contribute with the bat, if required.
He explained: "Be it spin or pace if you can add some valuable runs at No 6, 7 or 8 it helps any team. Then you do all three of the game — bat, ball and field."
Latest
-
News
England axing tough to take but it was ‘best option’, admits Dom Bess
Bess is set to return to the team for the fourth Test against India
-
News
Tom Banton tests positive for coronavirus at the Pakistan Super League
The England and Somerset batsman is isolating in Pakistan.
-
News
Virat Kohli refuses to accept pitch is to blame for England’s two-day defeat
Kohli believes poor batting by both sides resulted in the game being over inside two days.
-
News
Joe Root wants England to free themselves from fear in fourth Test against India
The tourists will be hoping to level the series at 2-2 when they start the final match in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Zak Crawley vows England will be more proactive in battle against India’s spin
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel have run riot in helpful conditions.
-
News
Dale Steyn heaps praise on Pakistan trio, prefers PSL over IPL
Record South African fast bowler Dale Steyn is full of praise for Pakistan players Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Babar Azam.
-
News
Chris Gayle sets sights on third T20 World Cup title
West Indies veteran Chris Gayle has set his sights on winning a third T20 World Cup when he makes his return to international cricket.
-
News
Cricket in line to receive significant chunk of £300m sports recovery package
The England and Wales Cricket Board welcomed the support, describing it as “a lifeline for parts of the game”.
-
News
Marcus Trescothick relishing return to ‘special environment’ with England
Trescothick is England’s new batting coach.