Botha reported for suspected illegal action

The ICC today confirmed that South Africa bowler Johan Botha has been reported for a suspected illegal bowling action by the match officials following completion of the third Test match between Australia and South Africa in Sydney today.

The report was made by on-field umpires Billy Bowden and Aleem Dar, TV Umpire Bob Parry and ICC Match Referee Chris Broad.

Mr Broad has informed both the ICC and the South Africa team management of the report, as per the ICC regulations governing the reporting process.

"Concerns have been raised by the match officials over the general legality of his bowling action and, in particular, his `doosra' and quicker deliveries when viewed with the naked eye. We are therefore requesting the ICC to commission a biomechanical report into the bowler's action in accordance with the process introduced last year," said Mr Broad.

The report will be handled under the ICC's standard bowling review process. Mr Botha will now undergo independent analysis of his action by a member of the ICC's panel of human movement specialists.

This will take place as soon as practically possible, and within a maximum period of 21 days from receipt by the United Cricket Board of South Africa (UCBSA) of formal notice of the report by the ICC.

Within 14 days of the independent analysis being carried out, the appointed specialist will supply the ICC with a written report advising the outcome of the bio-mechanical assessment. This will confirm whether the action used by the off-spinner in the third Test match was legal or illegal.

If Mr Botha is found to have been bowling with an illegal action he will be suspended from bowling in international cricket with immediate effect. He would then have the option of applying to the ICC for a re-assessment of his bowling action at any time in order to return to bowling in international cricket.

Mr Botha, who was making his Test match debut, will be allowed to play international cricket until the biomechanical report has been completed, at the discretion of the UCBSA.

Full details of the bowling review process can be found on the official ICC website www.icc-cricket.com