Former South African International Johan Bortha has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket effective immediately.
The Hobart Hurricanes newcomer, but long time cricket veteran, cited that “wear and tear on his body and sheer physical fatigue” led to his shock annoncement.
The 36-year-old finished his decorated career with a short 10-game stint with the Tasmanian side, where he has played a significant role in this season's success.
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With the Hurricanes, Botha spun a bowling economy rate around 6.0, and took 2/30 against the Heat, 3/22 against the Sixers and 2/21 against the Stars across his four overs.
After a 19-year sporting career, the all-rounder played his last innings against his former Sydney Sixers side at the SCG on Wednesday.
Former teammates James Vince and Josh Philippe blasted half-centuries as the magneta outfit cantered home by nine wickets to hand the Hurricanes their second defeat of the season.
A stellar, 19-year domestic & international cricketing career came to a close at the @scg tonight. 👏
— Hobart Hurricanes (@HurricanesBBL) January 23, 2019
Everyone at the Hurricanes & @crickettas wishes @johan_botha all the very best with his future: https://t.co/Zz3ADWCBIJ.#TasmaniasTeam #BBL08 #ThanksBoats pic.twitter.com/GCw9k7LFlh
Botha began his Big Bash career in South Australia where he played three years for the Adelaide Strikers, before transferring to the Sixers in 2015.
Since making his debut in South Africa in 2004, the white ball specialist has played almost 500 T20 domestic games and has taken over 500 wickets.
While the off-spinner only played five Test matches for the Proteas, he represented South Africa in 78 ODIs and 40 T20Is between 2005 and 2012.