Spinner cleared to play for Proteas in tournament in England
South Africa spinner Johan Botha has been cleared to play in next month's ICC World Twenty20 tournament in England.
The 27-year-old underwent stringent testing at the University of Western Australia in Perth after his action was cited during the recent one-day series with Australia.
However, the Proteas vice-captain will not be allowed to bowl his doosra - the ball that moves away from right-handed batsmen. It was found that his elbow exceeded the legal level of inflection when bowling the delivery.
Proteas coach Mickey Arthur believes Botha will still be a key player in the tournament despite not being able to use the doosra.
Important weapon
"Johan used the delivery very sparingly and I don't think it played a role in his success. He will still be an important weapon for us," Arthur told www.sport24.com.
South African bowling coach Vincent Barnes added: "We were confident that he was not chucking, but it's still a relief. Now we can concentrate on the Twenty20 World Cup."
Botha was reported by Brian Jerling and Asoka de Silva, along with third umpire Rudi Koertzen, after the fourth one-day against Australia last month, with the three officials expressing concern over his quicker ball and doosra.
It was not the first time that Botha had faced problems with his action - he spent nearly a year out of the game in 2006 after his action was cited during his Test debut at the start of that year.
Botha then underwent remedial action, was retested and - with his action at that time found to be legal - was able to resume playing international cricket.
