Botha makes move to Hurricanes

Hobart Hurricanes have added former South African international Johan Botha to their ranks for the upcoming KFC BBL season.

White-ball specialist Botha, 36, joins the BBL|07 finalists from the Sydney Sixers, with the allrounder’s off-spin a valuable addition following the departure of Cameron Boyce to the Melbourne Renegades.

The experienced allrounder, who is also a handy lower-order batsman, was part of the Sixers’ squad for the last three Big Bash seasons, while he previously spent three summers with Adelaide Strikers.

"From what I saw last year during BBL|07 was a very settled team that was lead very well on and off the field," Botha said.

"So I wanted to be part of a team that I think can win BBL|08.

"I want to help the younger players hopefully become even better players sooner and to help the team win games and ultimately the BBL title."

Botha played three Tests, 78 ODIs and 40 T20Is for South Africa between 2005 and 2012, but has since become a naturalised Australians, meaning he couldn’t count towards Hobart’s quota of two overseas players.

Hurricanes coach Adam Griffith said Botha’s experience in T20 leagues around the world could be a valuable addition to the Hobart dressing rooms.

"We're very excited to have a player of the calibre of Johan joining the Hurricanes," Griffith said.

"His off-spin is of world-class standard and he has also shown he can contribute match-winning innings with the bat, along with being excellent in the field.

"Johan's number one priority is to continue playing cricket, we're fully confident in his ability to remain playing at his top level.

"Johan is a high character individual who we look forward to welcoming into the Hurricanes family.

“He will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the group having played a great amount of T20 cricket and coaching within the Caribbean Premier League at the moment."

Hobart’s BBL|08 season begins with a showdown on the Gold Coast against Brisbane Heat on December 22.

Current squad: Jofra Archer (ENG), George Bailey, Johan Botha, James Faulkner, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Tymal Mills (ENG), David Moody, Tim Paine, Tom Rogers, D'Arcy Short, Matthew Wade.

In: Johan Botha (Sixers), James Faulkner (Stars).

Out: Cameron Boyce (Renegades), Dan Christian (Renegades).

Roster spots to fill: six

Internationals signed: two