Johan Botha eager to turn up for the Australian team

Former South African cricketer Johan Botha is keen on making an international return. However, he wants to make his comeback for the Australian national team. Botha was recently granted the Australian citizenship. No wonder why the off-spinner has set his eyes on the international comeback. He plays for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.

Having been granted the citizenship, he will now be featuring in BBL as a local player. This will give the Sixers an opportunity to rope in another international. The 34-year old believes he can still play the shorter format of the game at the highest level.

“I’m more than happy to play international cricket and I have missed it a lot, especially in the last year. I still want to challenge myself against the best. I’m keen to play,” Johan Botha quoted in an interview with Fox sports. “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,” he added.

Having played in 11 T20Is and 10 ODIs for South Africa, he also had the opportunity to captain the national side. He has been staying in Australia since last 4 years. When asked how would he feel playing for Australia against South Africa, Johan Botha was honest in saying it wouldn’t be weird. He, however, added that as a professional player, he will focus on winning.

“I wouldn’t find it weird, I wouldn’t say. It would be a great challenge. KP (Kevin Pietersen) and Jonathon Trott have done it. When I walk onto the field it’s all about winning. You just want to compete and win for the team that you’re playing for. That’s what I’ve always done,” quoted Botha.

He believes having him the line-up can help the Australian team. With a spinner at number 7 who can swing the bat as well, any team would benefit. “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,” cited the former South African cricketer.

He recently bagged a hat-trick in Sydney’s club cricket and ended with figures of 5/12. He backed it up with a ton in 40 odd balls to win the match for his club.