Botha takes on T20 captaincy
August 21, 2010 11:49:18 UK
Spin bowler Johan Botha has been named as South Africa's new Twenty20 captain following Graeme Smith's resignation.
Smith announced his decision to relinquish the limited-overs captaincy in a bid to ease his workload. He will step down from the one day international role after next year's World Cup.
Botha, who has led the Proteas in Smith's absence before, has now been handed the reins for the shortest form of the game.
"Johan was the unanimous choice of the board," said Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola.
Graeme Smith is to stand down as South Africa's limited overs captain."We have every confidence that he will do an excellent job leading up to the next edition of the ICC World Twenty20 in 2012."
Convenor of selectors Andrew Hudson added: "Johan has an excellent record as a leader. He was an inspirational captain when he stood in for Smith in the ODI series victory in Australia in 2009.
"His appointment is part of the process of refreshing our Pro20 squad and also deciding whether to follow the route of having different captains for different formats of the game."
Botha was delighted with the news and now has his eyes set on the one day side when Smith hands over control next spring.
"I really enjoyed the captaincy when I stood in for Graeme before and I am proud to be offered the job now. I am looking forward to working with such a special team.
"As far as the 50-over captaincy is concerned, I will have to see how my own form goes and how the team performs.
"If everything goes according to plan I would like to think I have a chance of captaining in the 50-over format as well when Graeme stands down."
South Africa are 1213.00 to lift the 2011 World Cup trophy. Betting is also available for the Twenty20 World Cup the following year, with Botha's side currently at 6.50 to win the tournament.
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