Botha's action passed by the ICC

Johan Botha can now hope to be picked for the series against Pakistan and possibly even the World Cup © Getty Images Enlarge

Johan Botha, the South African offspinner whose action was declared illegal in February this year, can resume bowling at the international level, the ICC informed the South African board.

Botha, who plays for the Warriors in the domestic league, was suspended after his action was reported during the third Test against Australia in Sydney in January. He remained suspended when his revised action came up for review in August as the ICC found that he continued to bend his arm more than 15 degrees.

But a second review in his favour now means that Botha can hope to be up for selection for South Africa's home series against Pakistan in January and possibly even the World Cup in March. Dave Richardson, the ICC General Manager who sent the report to Cricket South Africa, said that everyone had to be aware that no bowler was ever 'cleared' as they could simply revert to bad habits.

"All bowlers are subject to further reporting if the match officials are of the view that they have concerns about whether a delivery or deliveries conform to the Laws of Cricket when observed with the naked eye," said Richardson.

If Botha is reported again before the completion of two years to the start of his first suspension date - February 7, 2006 - then under ICC rules he will be banned for a minimum of one year.