Johan Botha announces sudden retirement

Johan Botha, who was representing Hobart Hurricanes, decided to call it quits citing wear and tear on his body and sheer physical fatigue © Getty

Johan Botha, the former South Africa all-rounder, has announced his retirement with immediate effect, pulling down the curtains on his career midway during the ongoing Big Bash League. Botha, who was representing Hobart Hurricanes, decided to call it quits citing "wear and tear on his body and sheer physical fatigue," according to a statement from the Hurricanes.

The 36-year-old Botha - a medium-pacer turned offspinner whose action came under scrutiny several times during his career, played five Tests, 78 ODIs and 40 T20Is for South Africa between November 2005 and October 2012, with the World T20 game in 2012 against India being his last international appearance.

Botha also captained South Africa in 21 matches - ODIs and T20Is combined. Under his leadership, South Africa won eight ODIs and as many T20Is.

Known as a utility player in the limited-overs format, Botha became more of a T20 specialist after not finding favour with the South African team. Having shifted base to Australia, Botha became an Australian citizen in 2016.

A regular in the BBL, Botha represented Adelaide Strikers and Sydney Sixers before turning out for Hurricanes in the current edition. He ended his career with 215 T20 matches under his belt, with 1966 runs and 163 wickets.