Cricket: SA spinner reported for illegal action

JOHANNESBURG - South African spinner Johan Botha has been reported for a "suspected illegal bowling action" following Monday's fourth one-day international against Australia in Port Elizabeth.

The International Cricket Council has released a statement confirming the off-spinner, who was also reported following the Sydney test of January 2006, has been cited again.

On-field umpires Brian Jerling and Asoka de Silva and third umpire Rudi Koertzen laid the latest report.

"Match referee Ranjan Madugalle has informed both the ICC and the South Africa team management of the report, as per the ICC regulations governing the reporting process," the ICC said.

"The umpires' report cited concern over two types of delivery employed by Botha, his quicker ball and his doosra."

Botha will now undergo independent analysis of his bowling action by a member of the ICC's panel of human movement specialists.

This is due to take place within 21 days.

"Within 14 days of that independent analysis being carried out, the appointed specialist will supply the ICC with a written report advising the outcome of the biomechanical assessment," the ICC said.

"This will confirm whether the action used by the off-spinner in the fourth ODI was legal or illegal.

"If the player is found to have been bowling with an illegal action he will be suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect. He would have the option of applying to the ICC for a re-assessment of his bowling action at any time in order to return to bowling in international cricket."

The 26-year-old has taken 41 wickets in 45 ODI matches and captained South Africa to a 4-1 series victory in Australia in January. In the current series in South Africa which the Proteas lead 3-1, Botha has taken three wickets at an average of 58.00.

He will be allowed to play international cricket until the biomechanical report has been completed, at the discretion of Cricket South Africa, the ICC says.

In 2006, Botha was reported for an illegal bowling action and suspended for a month.

After testing confirmed his action was illegal, he underwent remedial action, was re-tested and then found to have a legal action and allowed to resume.

- AAP