15 Facts about Jonty Rhodes: The greatest fieldsman ever

Jonty Rhodes, simply, is the god of fielding. There can no argument about the fact. Rhodes single-handedly revolutionised the art of fielding and made everyone realise the importance of this aspect of cricket which was given far less importance in olden times. There has no better fielder in the back ward point and point region than him. A strong and athletic personality, his astonishing diving efforts has given many spectacular moments for the cricket fans to cherish. He was a feared man and batsmen hardly dared to steal quick runs whenever the ball went rolling towards him.

1. Born on:

Rhodes was born on July 27, 1969, in Pietermaritzburg, Natal Province, South Africa.

2. Test debut:

Rhodes made his Test début against India in the first Test of the “Friendship Tour” at his home ground in Kingsmead, Durban on 13 November 1992.

3. Twice misses being an Olympian:

Rhodes also represented South Africa at hockey, and was chosen as part of the 1992 Olympic Games squad to go to Barcelona; however, the squad did not qualify to go to the tournament. He was also called up for trials to play in the 1996 Olympics but was ruled out by a hamstring injury.

4. ODI debut in the 1992 World Cup:

Rhodes made his One Day International début against Australia in South Africa’s opening match of the 1992 Cricket World Cup at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 26 February 1992.

5. Shot to Fame:

Rhodes shot to fame during South Africa’s fifth game of the World Cup, against Pakistan on the 8 March 1992 at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. Chasing the revised target of 194 runs, Pakistan had Inzamam-ul-Haq and skipper Imran Khan at the crease. With the score at 135/2 Inzamam, who was at the time on 48, set off for a run but was turned back by Khan. The ball had rolled out towards Rhodes who ran in from backward point, and raced the retreating Inzamam to the wicket. Rhodes, with the ball in hand, dived full length to break the stumps and effect the run-out. The runout became the most iconic moment of the edition. The famous is still considered one of the most spectacular feats of that World Cup and the career defining moment for Rhodes.

6. Love for fielding:

Just to get one more round of reflex catches, Rhodes often delayed the team bus at the end of a practice session.

7. Wisden Cricketers of the year:

In 1999 he was voted as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year.

8. An accountant:

After he called it a day from international cricket, Rhodes worked as an accountant executive for Standard Bank, a company that has been one of the prominent sponsors of Cricket South Africa. He also has a bachelor’s degree in the subject from the University of Natal.

9. First cricketer to take paternity leave:

Along with fielding records, Rhodes is probably the first cricketer to take paternity leave.

10. A golfer inside:

Like many other retired cricketers, Rhodes fancies Golf as well. Even during his stay in India, while mentoring the Mumbai Indians, Rhodes makes sure he gets his daily dose of Golf.

11. South African ambassador:

Considering his fan following in India, Rhodes promotes South Africa tourism in the world’s most cricket fanatic nation.

12. Personal Life:

Rhodes married former South African cricketer Cuan McCarthy’s niece, Kate McCarthy, in 1994. However, the marriage was unsuccessful and the couple later split up. He has two kids – Daniella and Ross from his first wedding. Later he married Melanie Wolf in 2014.

13. Names his daughter ‘India’:

On 24 April 2015, Rhodes’ second wife Melanie gave birth to a daughter named India Jeanne Rhodes, in Mumbai. The girl was born in Mumbai during the IPL 8, while he was with Mumbai Indians as their fielding coach. The couple named her after the country, stating they admired the rich culture and geographical diversity of the country.

14. A published writer:

Sports, travel and then writing; He has also written a travel guide on South Africa named Lonely Planet.

15. An influential South African:

In 2004, Rhodes added another milestone to his extraordinary career, as he was placed 29th in the Top 100 Great South Africans.