XtraTime Web Desk: Commonly regarded as one of the greatest fielders of all times, Jonathan Neil Jonty Rhodes is still one of the legendary cricketers of South Africa. He began his international cricket career for the South African team in 1992 and retired in the year 2002.
On his birthday, www.Xtratime.in lists 5 of his magical moments while fielding. He gave new dimensions to the art of fielding.
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- In the 1992 World Cup against England he jumped into the air from the bakward point with his knees folded and his left hand brilliantly caught the ball taking the 7th wicket of Robert Croft.
- Rhodes shot to fame after South Africa’s fifth game of the World Cup, against Pakistan on March 8, 1992 at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. Inzamam-ul-Haq and Pakistan captain Imran Khan resumed the innings when game started again. With the score at 135/2 Inzamam, set off for a run but was turned back by Khan. The ball had rolled out towards Rhodes who ran in from backward point, gathered the ball and raced the retreating Inzamam to the wicket. Rhodes, with ball in hand, dived full length to break the stumps and effect the run out. This run out is the subject of a famous photograph, and is still considered one of the more spectacular feats of that World Cup and the defining moment of Rhodes’ career.
- Although he is extremely passionate about India geographically and culturally, he was the first to get the Indian little master, Sachin Tendulkar dismissed via third umpire.
- Australian batsman, Damien Martyn got dismissed in Ntini’s ball, as Rhodes caught the ball falling sideward. With this wicket, Jonty Rhodes became the first South African to take 100 catches as a fielder in ODIs.
- Again, a similarly stupendous catch dismissed Australian Michael Bevan who scored 19 runs out of 39 balls. McMillan bowled and in the 22.4 over, he was caught out by Rhodes.
Presently, he is working as the fielding coach of the South African national team.