Cricket NewsThe former Malahide and Ireland spin bowler Johan Botha has been suspended indefinitely from bowling in international cricket for an illegal action.

The South African international had been cited by match officials during the third Test against Australia in January and after independent analysis, he has been found guilty of "chucking". He will be banned until he can prove he has remedied his action.

Botha played last season for Dublin club Malahide as their club professional and also represented Ireland in the C&G Trophy against Yorkshire at Stormont as their overseas player.

"The independent report has identified excessive levels of straightening in both Botha's off-break and doosra deliveries," said International Cricket Council general manager David Richardson. "It is now up to Johan to remedy the concerns that have been identified ahead of a reassessment which will be necessary if he is to return to international cricket," said Richardson.

This is the first time Botha has been reported under the regulations for the review of bowlers with suspected illegal actions. The initial report was made on January 6th by on-field umpires Billy Bowden and Aleem Dar, TV umpire Bob Parry and ICC match referee Chris Broad. The independent analysis was conducted at the University of Western Australia (UWA) on February 1st by a team led by Prof Bruce Elliott.

If a player does not accept the conclusions of the independent assessment he is entitled to a hearing of the ICC Bowling Review Group. This must be lodged with the ICC within 14 days of receipt of the report by the players' board.

If Botha returns to international cricket and is subsequently found to have been bowling with an illegal action within 24 months he is automatically banned for a minimum of one year.