Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Johan Botha's 'doosra' delivery found to be illegal


South Africa spinner must undergo remedial work and further testing if he wants to continue bowling that delivery at international level; off-break and arm-ball deliveries found to have been bowled within the legal limit of extension 

The International Cricket Council today confirmed that an independent test has found the ‘doosra’ delivery of South Africa bowler Johan Botha to be illegal and the player has been warned against bowling that particular delivery in international cricket. 

A comprehensive analysis revealed that his action for the ‘doosra’ exceeded the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted under regulations. 

But the same assessment found that Botha’s off-break and arm-ball deliveries were bowled within the tolerance level and so the 27-year-old can continue to bowl those types of deliveries at international level. 

The independent analysis was performed by Prof. Bruce Elliott, member of the ICC Panel of Human Movement Specialists, at the School of Sport Science, Exercise and Health, University of Western Australia, Perth on Thursday 30 April. 

The analysis showed that the amount of elbow extension in Botha’s bowling action for both his off-break delivery and arm-ball was within the 15-degree level of tolerance. The mean elbow extension was 12.2 degrees for the off-break and 11.1 degrees for the arm-ball with no single delivery of those types proving to be illegal. 

The analysis showed that the amount of elbow extension in Botha’s ‘doosra’ delivery was 26.7 degrees with no single delivery proving to be legal. 

Botha had been reported following the completion of the fourth ODI between Australia and South Africa in Port Elizabeth on 13 April. The report was made by the two on-field umpires, Brian Jerling and Asoka de Silva, along with third umpire Rudi Koertzen. 

He can apply for re-assessment of his ‘doosra’ action after he has modified it in accordance with clause G of the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions. 

Botha has the right to appeal against Prof. Elliott’s conclusions to the Bowling Review Group, in accordance with clause F of the regulations for the review of bowlers reported with suspected illegal bowling actions. Should he choose to appeal, he must lodge written notification with the ICC within 14 days of receiving the report. 

In Prof. Elliott’s report, Botha is advised to review his own bowling action on a regular basis to ensure his elbow flexion levels are minimized and kept within legal limits.

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