Botha's action cleared 21 Nov 2006 By: Alex Crampton

South African spinner Johan Botha can return to international cricket after his action, deemed illegal in February, was cleared.

He was reported after his Test debut, in Sydney against Australia in January. The action was then tested by the ICC's biomechanics experts, who found it to be illegal, and outside the 15-degree tolerance level.

After work on his action he was retested in August, but it was still illegal. Now after spending several more months trying to put it right, he passeed a reassessment Test in Perth. If, however, his aciton is found to be illegal at a later date within two years, he will face an automatic ban of a year.

Botha is now available to be picked for South Africa, but it seems he has slipped behind Robbie Peterson in the pecking order since his suspension. The 24-year old was obviously delighted at the news, saying: "I am absolutely delighted at this result. It has been a very worrying and disappointing time for me, but I have had wonderful support. I'm glad it's all over and I can get on with my bowling career."

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