Botha Cited for Throwing

South African spinner Johan Botha has been reported to the ICC for a suspect bowling action after his debut at Sydney. The report was a collaboration between on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Billy Bowden, and match referee Chris Broad.

The ICC will now commission a biomechanical report into the 23 year-old’s action and he will have independent analysis of hids action by an ICC Human Movement Specialist. If found to have an illegal action, Botha will be suspended from international cricket, as in the case of Shabbir Ahmed. Botha is eligible to play in the upcoming VB Series, with South Africa’s other spinner, Nicky Boje, flying home.

When questioned about Botha’s action, Graeme Smith said he could see nothing wrong with it, but match referee Chris Broad begged to differ: “Concerns have been raised by the match officials over the general legality of his bowling action and, in particular, his ‘doosra’ and quicker deliveries when viewed with the naked eye.”