'Australian' Botha to play in BBL as local player

Former South Africa limited overs skipper Johan Botha, who was granted Australian citizenship recently, will now play as a local cricketer in the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).

Botha, who skippered the Proteas in 10 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and 11 T20 Internationals, completed the required formalities of bagging an Australian citizenship after moving here four years ago, according to a report by espncricinfo.

Botha, who last played for South Africa in October 2012, captained South Australia after being released from his national contract, post the 2012 World T20.

Botha played for the Adelaide Strikers in the first two editions of the BBL before moving to the Sydney Sixers last season.

With 22 scalps from 35 matches in the BBL, the left-arm spinner will appear for the Sixers this season as a local player, confirmed the franchise.

For the Proteas, Botha played five Tests, 78 ODIs and 40 T20Is between November 2005 and October 2012. He took 17 Test wickets and had 72 and 37 dismissals in ODIs and T20Is respectively.

The 2016-17 edition of the BBL will be played from December 20 to January 28.

--IANS

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