Johan Botha to captain South Australia

[McRooster]

I first heard of this on Friday but thought it was BS, not so it seems  :P

http://www.24cricket.com/johan-botha-to-captain-south-australia/14258/

Kudos to Klinger, falling on his Willow sword and standing aside. Botha will Captain SA in ALL forms of the game on a 2 year contract.

[PowerBug]

Interesting.

[McRooster]

The bit I don't understand is that Johan Botha is NOT a recognised batsman, he has played only 5 Tests for around 83 runs and only has ONE 1st class Century.

Stay with me.

So, has he been recruited soley for his leadership ? (something Klinger had apparent command of) or to replace the role likely to be vacated by Nathan Lyon for the dominance of the season ?

What happens when Lyon neds to play domestically? - do you drop the skipper to make way? It looks like Darren Berry's man crush on Botha has manifetsed into Klinger having to take the fall for our poor Shield season. Shame Darren, shame.

[PowerBug]

yeah, when you put it that way. It is Aussie Domestic cricket though, i reckon he'll be a No. 6 or 7.

[TheMailman]

Obviously this helps out SA with an international player, but I don't really understand why he would be picked as captain.

Plus, how is this at all benefical for Botha?

[FisherSaints]

Have to admit I don't know much about him, except that he played for South Africa

[JBs-Hawks]

Would have preferred a batsman that can average 55+ or a fast bowler to average under 25 then a mediocre alrounder but oh well we shall see.

[McRooster]

Would have preferred a batsman that can average 55+ or a fast bowler to average under 25 then a mediocre alrounder but oh well we shall see.

Not many faster than Shaun 'The Wild Thing' Tait - only returning for the Big Bash League.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/cricket/shaun-tait-returns-home-with-adelaide-strikers/story-e6frectl-1226425334703?from=public_rss

Adelaide Oval, Big Bash League, sound systems belting out 'Wild Thing' as Tait is given the cherry - makes your hair stand up on the back of your neck as a spectator, and makes batsmen want to stand with the square leg umpire.

Welcome home Shaun.

[tbagrocks]

really don't like 20/20 cricket, ever tried playing 20 overs? its far to quick for a proper game! Pity Tait can't play longer (proper) versions

[Jay]

dont agree with this decision at all

[Spinking]

I like Botha as a bloke but I think this speaks volumes about the lack of strong domestic players going around at the moment.  We seem to have plenty of academies and specialist coaches these days, but what we lack is pure mental toughness.  Mitchell Johnson admitting he felt intimidated by the English crowds is a good example of this.

I think we will miss Punter more than we realise when he is gone.

[Hagebear]

So if Botha has been contracted for 2 years, has he retred from international cricket?? What if he gets a call up for South Africa. Real happy to have him for 2 years but not sure about him being captain. Quality one day cricketer.