<p><strong>Knee injury rules Johan Botha out of Zimbabwe tri-series - Cricket News Update</strong></p>
<p>South African spin bowler, Johan Botha, who was due to captain the side during the upcoming unofficial triangular T20 series in Zimbabwe in the absence of regular skipper AB de Villiers, has been ruled out of the tri-series with a knee injury.</p>
<p>The 30-year-old all-rounder had sustained the knee injury during the last week of the recently concluded season five of Indian Premier League, where he was playing for Rajasthan Royals.</p>
<p>Explaining the nature of his injury on Wednesday, Botha told <em>ESPNcricinfo</em> that he has almost completely recovered from the injury and is all set to go back to the field, but the CSA management does not want to risk his injury, especially with the
crucial tour of England around the corner.</p>
<p>"I got a ball to the knee and didn't think much of it but I was told to go for an MRI when I got home," the experienced all-rounder added.</p>
<p>"The damage got all the way to the patella [knee cap] and although I can cycle and do most things, the South Africa management was concerned that if I got hit on the knee again or was injured during fielding, that would prolong the recovery," he added further.</p>
<p>The spinner is in the fourth week of a six-week rehab process and is expected to be completely fit ahead of next month’s tour of England.</p>
<p>Prolific top-order batsman, Hashim Amla, will replace Botha as South Africa captain for Zimbabwe tour.</p>
<p>The all-rounder expressed disappointment at missing the opportunity to lead the side as a stand-in skipper though, saying he was really looking forward to the challenge. He however, hoped to get some more cricket under his belt ahead of the World T20 Championship
in Sri Lanka, in September this year.</p>
<p>"Zimbabwe series is important, but for me it may have been a little far out in terms of time. Hopefully, I'll play in England and get some cricket in there before Sri Lanka,” said Botha, who has so far played 32 T20 Internationals for South Africa.</p>
<p>The unofficial T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe also features Bangladesh and will kick off at Harare on Sunday, June 17, with the hosts playing the Bengali Tigers. The Proteas will play their series opener against the Tigers on June 19.</p>
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