| Player: | YA Abdulla, J Botha |
| Event: | ICC World Twenty20 2009 |
DateLine: 4th May 2009
South Africa have included their vice-captain Johan Botha in their 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 beginning on June 5 in England despite the left-arm spinner being reported for a suspect action. Botha was reported for a suspected illegal bowling action by match officials after the fourth ODI against Australia in Port Elizabeth in April. He will undergo a bio-mechanical assessment of his action, but is eligible to play international cricket at the discretion of Cricket South Africa (CSA) while the test results are pending.
There were no new faces in the squad which comprised of players who had success against Australia over the summer. Yusuf Adbulla, who made his Twenty 20 debut against Australia in Centurion, was rewarded for his outstanding performances in the domestic tournament and for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL with a call-up. Abdulla is currently the IPL's highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets in seven matches.
South Africa coach Mickey Arthur was "delighted" with the squad. "It is a team with plenty of options - great depth to the batting and plenty of bowling options. It is also an outstanding fielding unit."
Squad : Graeme Smith (capt), Johan Botha (vice-capt), Yusuf Abdulla, Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Roelof van der Merwe.
