Cricket: Ireland’s Botha bows out

DUBLIN: Ireland all-rounder Andre Botha announced his retirement from international cricket. The 35-year-old South Africa-born player, who qualified for Ireland on residency grounds, appeared in the past two World Cups and made 141 appearances for his adopted country. But recent seasons had seen the left-hand batsman and right-arm medium-pacer, who took two for five in the shock 2007 World Cup win against Pakistan, struggling with injury. “I have given this matter serious and long consideration, but ultimately have come to the conclusion that the time is right now,” said Botha, who appeared in just two games at the recent World Cup in the subcontinent.



Published in The Express Tribune, May 6^th, 2011.