Berry 'devastated' at Botha departure

West End Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers coach Darren Berry admits he's "devastated" by the departure of former captain Johan Botha and says the recent upheaval in South Australian cricket was conducted without his consultation.

Berry returned to Redbacks training today for the first time since he spent a month away from the side due to personal reasons.

While Berry was on leave, Botha was replaced by Travis Head as Redbacks skipper, a decision SACA CEO Keith Bradshaw said was made without consulting Berry out of respect for the coach's personal situation.

Botha's exit from South Australia was completed today when it was announced the South African would leave Adelaide Strikers to take up a three-year deal with Sydney Sixers.

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Botha in his new BBL colours // Getty Images

Berry also confirmed today that former Test quick Shaun Tait would not be at the Strikers next season, while News Ltd is reporting leg-spinner Adam Zampa is being courted by Melbourne Stars.

Berry said he felt "like a kid with a new toy" upon returning to work, but didn't hide his disappointment at Botha's departure.

"I think it's unfair for me to comment on decisions that were made and decisions that were taken while I was away," Berry said.

"I think those questions are best directed to high performance manager (Tim Nielsen) and the CEO (Bradshaw).

"While I was on leave a lot of decisions were made and I've got to look forward through the front window not the back one.

"You can only control what you can control."

When Berry was asked if he was comfortable with how the departure of Botha had been handled, he replied: "I've been away for four weeks on personal leave".

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Botha in the blue of the Strikers // Getty Images

The 45-year-old didn't speculate on whether Botha would have stayed in South Australia had Berry not taken leave.

"Hypothetical questions, unfortunately I can't answer those," Berry said.

"All I can say is that I was away and decisions have been made and it is what it is.

"I'm devastated to lose Johan because he's a four dimensional cricketer. I'm really upset about that.

"But we've got eleven really good players (contracted with the Strikers for next season) and we'll add to that."

Botha will remain with the Redbacks squad for the final two matches of the Bupa Sheffield Shield season, but Berry said it was "highly unlikely" the allrounder would be selected.

"Those decisions, once again, have been made whilst I was away," Berry said, adding Zampa would likely carry the spin bowling load for the remainder of the season.

Berry paid tribute to Botha, who captained the Strikers to the semi-finals of the KFC T20 Big Bash League this season and steered them to within inches of the Sheffield Shield final last year.

"I think he had a very big influence on a lot of the squad and he left an indelible mark on the squad," Berry said.

"Publically I'd like to thank Johan Botha for the unbelievable commitment and effort he's made to the Redbacks and the Adelaide Strikers.

"I'm disappointed with the way that it's ended, however I wish him all the best in the future."

While the Strikers had an impressive BBL season - they finished top of the ladder before losing in the knockout stage - the Redbacks have had another disappointing summer.

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Travis Head in action for the Redbacks this season // Getty Images

They finished last in the Matador Cup and currently sit bottom of the Shield table with two matches remaining this season.

Berry, who is contracted for next season, said he was ready to fight hard to return South Australian cricket to its former glory, adding he was excited to work closely with 21-year-old Head.

"I've never quit anything in my life," Berry said.

"My focus is squarely on Victoria and then we'll go to Brisbane and then we'll sit down at the end of the year and obviously then we need to sort through the direction for next summer and beyond for South Australian cricket.

"I'm excited to work with Travis Head.

"I think he's an exciting young South Australian talent (and) it's great that he got his first win down at Glenelg last week.

"I have no issue whatsoever with Travis Head.

"He's a great kid and I've got a great relationship with him.

"I look forward to helping him fulfil his potential as a player and also now as a captain."