Botha named in both Proteas squads
Johan Botha's last Test appearance was on the sub-continent, a five-wicket win over Bangladesh at Dhaka in February 2008
South Africa have called Johan Botha into their Test squad for the first time since 2008 for the tour of India.
The Proteas have been forced to return to off-spinner Botha, who has two Test caps, as back-up for Paul Harris after discovering Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir is not yet eligible.
Tahir was originally selected in the squad for the fourth Test against England before his ineligibility was pinpointed.
South Africa leave on January 30 for India, where they will play two Tests and three one-day internationals.
“It is important to have a second specialist spin bowling option for a Test series on the Asian sub-continent,” said convener of selectors Mike Procter.
“We feel this squad covers all our tactical options and will give a good account of itself.”
In the one-day squad there is a recall for opening batsman Loots Bosman, who played at the 2007 World Cup before a succession of injuries hampered his fitness.
“We feel that Bosman gives us an explosive hitting option up front and this will be the ideal opportunity for him to show his worth on the sub-continent where next year’s World Cup will be played,” Procter added.
“There are several players who are unlucky not to make the ODI squad including Hashim Amla, Ryan McLaren and Charl Langeveldt and I must emphasise that they are all still in the running for the World Cup next year.”
Test squad: Graeme Smith (captain), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher (wkt), AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis, Ryan McLaren, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Alviro Petersen, Ashwell Prince, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
ODI squad: Graeme Smith (capt), Loots Bosman, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher (wkt), AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Alviro Petersen, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Roelof van der Merwe.
