Jonty Rhodes picks his five all-time best fielders

The world still remembers his flying gesture to get Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq run out in a match in World Cup 1992 in Australia. Jonty Rhodes has left playing cricket a while ago but the South African still remains the benchmark of fielding in the modern-day game. But while the 49-year-old still remains the cricketing world’s favourite when it comes to fielding, what about his own preferences?

Rhodes, who played his last international game during South Africa’s disappointing campaign in the 2003 World Cup at home, works as fielding coach and mentor nowadays and he recently listed five of his favourite fielders. His top five include two South Africans, one Australian, one Englishman and also one Indian. In fact, his list has the Indian at the top.

In a video shared by the International Cricket Council on Twitter, Rhodes is seen talking about the fielders of his choice. “In the modern era, there really have been some great fielders,” Rhodes said, following which he voted for former Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds saying the latter fielded well both within and outside the circle and had a very strong arm. He also spoke with a pinch of modesty saying he fielded only inside the circle in his playing days.

Rhodes picks Gibbs and AB de Villiers

At No.4, Jonty Rhodes picked his former teammate Herschelle Gibbs. Calling the former SA batsman an “incredible fielder”, Rhodes said it was great to field alongside Gibbs at backward point. The legend then took the name of former England captain and cricketer Paul Collingwood who was also a good fielder. He also drew a parallel between him and Collingwood said the latter fielded in a position similar to him.

Rhodes’ next favourite is another former Proteas cricketer AB de Villiers who only retired last year. Rhodes said when he worked as South Africa’s fielding coach, he would get upset to see de Villiers donning the wicket-keeping gloves because he thought he was a good fielder.

At the No.1 position, Rhodes picked Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, saying he is a big fan of the latter. He said the fact that Raina is never hesitant to dive even in rough Indian conditions made him special besides the fact that he fielded well at all positions.

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