Implications for Botha decision

Johan Botha's fate over his suspect bowling action could have a far-reaching impact. Source: Philip Hillyard / News Limited

LEGENDARY spinner Muttiah Muralitharan risks a tumultuous farewell visit to Australia if South African Johan Botha is rubbed out of cricket for an illegal action.

The fallout from any Botha ban tomorrow by Cricket Australia would be swift and bitter. Focus would sharpen on Melbourne Renegades marquee spinner Muralitharan and other bowlers on domestic lists with contentious actions.

Crucially, umpires are this season reporting suspect actions as a collective rather than individually.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.

Umpires have been hesitant to rock the boat at international level following Darrell Hair's persecution for calling Muralitharan for throwing in the 1995 Melbourne Boxing Day Test between Australia and Sri Lanka.

Yet domestic umpires may note national chairman of selectors John Inverarity's assertion that the doosra is difficult to bowl legally.

The Advertiser understands that Botha's stock ball has been the subject of biomechanical analysis. However it would be a massive call to outlaw an off-spinner with a modest first-class record who may marginally infringe on 15 per cent straightening permitted once every 18 balls. All bowlers will be fair game.

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. Botha has taught this ball, affectionately named 'Jeff' to Test spinner Nathan Lyon.

Five-Test spinner Botha has not bowled the doosra since being cited for the second time at international level in a one-day clash against Australia in Port Elizabeth during 2009. Murali was encouraged to shelve his doosra in 2004 by officials - the iconic 800-wicket Test off-spinner risks another run-in with Australian umpires in light of Botha's treatment.

Don't expect SA officials to remain submissive if skipper Botha is ruled out of the Strikers' Big Bash League and Redbacks' Sheffield Shield campaign.

Renegades allrounder Marlon Samuels was labelled a cheat by former Brisbane Heat, now Australian coach Darren Lehmann, last season for appearing to throw the ball. The West Indian is wise not to tempt fate and return this season to the BBL.

Regardless, Botha is a deeply religious man, principled and shattered at any suggestion of deceit having moved his family to Adelaide.

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

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