Former South Africa limited overs skipper Johan Botha replaces Michael Klinger as South Australia captain

 

Botha returns to Strikers as coaching assistant

Almost eight years after he stood down as South Australia's captain, Johan Botha will return to Adelaide Oval as an assistant coach with the Strikers for KFC BBL|12.Botha, the former South Africa off-spinner turned T20 journeyman, will join head coach Jason Gillespie's panel with a focus on bowling, fielding and tactics.

Few boast greater experience and exposure with T20 franchises around the world than the 40-year-old who, following his departure from SA and the Strikers (who he also captained), turned out for rival BBL outfits Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes.Botha will take over some of the duties previously overseen by ex-Australia all-rounder Cameron White, who has joined the coaching staff of Sydney Sixers.

"Johan has an incredible cricket mind having played in every format and various leagues across the globe,” Gillespie said."A man of his experience will be such an asset for our players and us as a collective coaching group."I can’t wait to work with him this summer."

The Strikers, who won their sole title to date in BBL|07, secured several key signings for the coming season with the retention of Afghanistan spin wizard Rashid Khan supplemented by the tournament's all-time leading runs scorer Chris Lynn and New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme

Botha made his Test debut against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2006 during the 2005–06 tour, and claimed batsman Mike Hussey as his first Test wicket. However, he was reported for throwing the ball at the conclusion of the match.[5] He was allowed to play several games during the 2005–06 VB Series, but in February, was suspended from bowling following an analysis by bowling expert Bruce Elliott.[6] He hoped to return to bowling after an examination by the ICC in August 2006, but he was found still to be straightening his arm more than the acceptable 15 degree

Botha, who played for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League last summer, will captain the Redbacks for the next two seasons.Klinger said the opportunity for Botha, a former South African limited overs and T20 captain, to lead the Redbacks was "too good an opportunity".

"There is no doubt captaining the Redbacks and the Strikers has been a highlight of my cricket career so far," Klinger said on Saturday."I have loved every minute of it and am really proud of what I have achieved."No one just walks away from captaining.

SOURCE CONTENT: 

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/johan-botha-adelaide-strikers-assistant-coach-south-africa-journeyman-bbl12/2022-10-06