Johan Botha

An experimental all-rounder for South African and a T20 veteran for franchises across the globe, Johan Botha has been a diligent cricketer for over two decades now. Botha, also known as Botes, captained South Africa during his glorious days, before migrating to Australia to become an Australian citizen in 2016. 

Born in Johannesburg, Botha began his career as a pacer who used to operate at military pace, in the mid 120s. However, while playing cricket for the Warriors, Mickey Arthur suggested him to drop the idea of bowling fast and concrete on spinning. That change worked in favour of Botha as he went on to become a regular for Proteas and regularly played for them between 2007 and 2011.

The Johannesburg-born was also surrounded with some controversies, for bowling his quicker ones and doosras. He was banned by the ICC a couple of times, before straightening his arm more than the acceptable 15 degrees. 

The spinner also went on to captain his national team, when Graeme Smith retired, and also led them to a series victory over Australia earlier in 2010. He played 78 ODIs and 40 T20Is, though he was considered too limited for the longest format - he has played only five Tests. 

Some quintessential spin, his useful lower-order hitting and being a fine fielder makes him quite a demanding commodity across the planet. He represented various IPL, CPL, T20 Blast, and BBL franchises, before he retired himself from all forms of cricket in the middle of BBL 2019 citing physical fatigue. 

Since then, the T20 veteran has been providing his services as a coach. He has served as fielding coach and assistant coach, before donning the coaching hat of Islamabad United. 

Although, in December 2020, Hobart Hurricanes will come out of retirement to play in the Big Bash League for the club. And has been donning the Tasmanian team’s jersey. 

(As of November 2021)