Banning Botha for 'suspect' bowling action may ruin Murali's farewell party in Oz

The Australian media has claimed that legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who currently plays for the Melbourne Renegades, risks a tumultuous farewell visit to the country if South African bowler Johan Botha is rubbed out of cricket for an illegal action.

According to News.com.au, a CA rule change for suspect actions requires just one mention rather than three to trigger a report from umpires and possible three-month ban.

Botha was an instant casualty in South Australia's Ryobi Cup season opener against Victoria on October 4 while results of biomechanical analysis on his action are scheduled for release tomorrow, the report said.

Botha's stock ball has been the subject of biomechanical analysis, the report added.

The other Botha delivery that has caught attention is a 'knuckle ball' variation delivered from the front of the hand, similar to a delivery once bowled by Australian mystery spinner Jack Iverson, the report further said.

If Botha receives a minimum three-month ban it will make him a cricket outcast and threaten lucrative Australian and international contracts, according to the report.