Johan Botha, former South Africa’s limited-overs skipper, is eyeing to play for Australia which in itself could be a dramatic move if he gets a green signal from Cricket Australia in future.
“It would be unbelievable. Australia is a team that I’ve watched for a long time. Especially growing up when South Africa didn’t play international cricket, Australia was my favourite team to watch. So to do that, I think it’ll feel a little bit unreal. But we’ll have to wait and see,” said Botha, quoted as saying by Fox Sports.
The 34-year-old all-rounder Botha, who is playing for Big Bash League franchise Sydney Sixers, became an Australian citizen in November and has been categorized as a local player.
Botha could be a strong contender if he continues to perform well in the ongoing season of BBL. After scoring unbeaten 30 off 19 balls for Sydney Sixers and 1 for 26 with the ball, Botha was adjudged Man of the Match following his side’s six-wicket win over the Perth Scorchers on Tuesday’s fixture.
“I suppose there might be a chance, a very slim chance. As long as there’s that. But it’s up to Cricket Australia. I just need to hopefully help the Sixers win some games and if it comes my way, then great,” Botha added.
Now, Adelaide-based Botha moved to Australia from South Africa in 2012 before joining domestic side Redbacks in the same year. After Redback’s implemented the youth policy, the handy all-rounder has been left without a state contract.
In November, in an interview with Fox Sports, Botha urged he would add value in limited-overs cricket and hinted to be available for the T20 format.
“They will say I’m too old but I still feel that in the shorter form I can play another two, three or four years. There might be a little gap in the shortest form. Glenn Maxwell is a top order batsman who gives you some spin. I suppose someone at 7 or 8 who can bowl some spin could also be handy,” Botha concluded.
Dating back to history, only 26 players have managed to represent two countries during their cricketing career. Billy Midwinter was the first player who had joined England in the 1870s and 1880s after playing for Australia.
Botha might be 27th in the list if he gets a nod and could become only the second player in history to represent both South Africa and Australia after Kepler Wessels.
Botha represented South Africa in 78 ODIs, 40 T20Is and five Tests. He bagged 72 wickets in the ODIs, 17 wickets in Tests and 37 wickets in the T20I.
He led the Proteas in 11 T20Is and 10 ODIs respectively.