New citizen Botha eyes Aussie T20 berth

Newly-minted Australian Johan Botha is keen on a spot in the country's T20 side on the back of his international career with South Africa.

New Australian cricketer Johan Botha

New Australian citizen Johan Botha is keen on a spot in the country's T20 side to face South Africa. (AAP)

He's only recently been handed his citizenship papers but Johan Botha is already eyeing a spot in the Australian cricket team.

The 34-year-old all-rounder, who has captained the Proteas in limited-overs formats, is aiming to do a 'reverse Kepler Wessels' and play for his adopted country after representing his native South African.

Bloemfontein-born Wessels went on to captain the Proteas after playing 24 Tests for Australia in the 1980s.

Botha reckons he would be a good fit for Australia's Twenty20 team.

He'll turn out for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL this season, and some eye-catching performances from the hard-hitting batsman and off-spinner could put him in the frame for Aussie selection given his experience at international level: five Tests, 78 one-day internationals and 40 T20s.

"I'm more than happy to play international cricket," Botha told 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.

"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 does not have a state contract, but the former South Australian captain believes he was forced out of the Redbacks set-up due to his age.

His most recent effort in Sydney grade cricket was brutal, snaring 5-12 before smashing 102 off 45 balls to lead Mosman to victory.

His Australian defection has been a bonus for the Sixers' upcoming BBL campaign, allowing the franchise to add talented Englishman Sam Billings to its list as an international player with Botha now a local.

Botha said he was keen on signing a state contract to play in next year's one-day domestic cup competition.


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Source: AAP



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