Jackie Botten was a fast-medium bowler who varied his pace cleverly and had the abilty to move the ball towards the slips. He played three Tests, all on the 1965 tour of England, where he shared the new ball with Peter Pollock, taking eight wickets at 42.12 as South Africa won the series 1-0. On the whole tour his 33 wickets cost 24.78, but he never took more than three in an innings.

Botten made his debut for North Eastern Transvaal in 1957-58, and the following season was named one of the country's Cricketers of the Year after taking 63 wickets in only seven matches. The highlight of the season came when he took 15 for 49, including a career-best 9 for 23 in the first innings, against Griqualand West. After another good campaign the following season, he was considered unlucky to miss out on the tour to England in 1960, although he was part of the Fezela side that visited in 1961

He never really recaptured that early form, although he continued playing through to 1971-72, finishing with 399 wickets at 20.36.

Botten was also a professional with Arcadia in the National Football League.
Cricinfo staff