Jonty Rhodes, a former South African cricketer, is counted among the best fielders in the history of the game. Rhodes was also the first player in the history of cricket to receive the Man of the Match award as a substitute player. He was given the honor during the first clash match after being involved in seven dismissals as a fielder. And, as Rhodes celebrates his 52nd birthday today, here we take a look at five iconic moments from the field.
Distinguished Flying Leap (1992 World Cup)
During a match between South Africa and Pakistan in the 1992 World Cup, the Rhodes electrified zone helped the Rainbow Nation defeat the Pakistan team by 20 runs. Chasing 212 for victory, Inzamam-ul-Haq was leading Pakistan’s charges and for a moment, fans thought he could lead them to victory. However, a flying fielding effort from Rhodes sent Inzamam back to the stands when he was batting on 48.
During the match, a ball hit Inzamam’s pad and went towards point and he took a few steps and took a single. Rhodes picked up the ball on point and swung it towards the stumps, shattering all three wickets in the process.
Tejasswi Sachin Tendulkar (1997)
The great Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar was known to take advantage of any small mistake made by the bowler. In 1997, during a match between India and South Africa, Tendulkar once again hit the ball offside after receiving some width from the bowler. However, the bowler got extra security in the form of Rhodes, who was commanding the point area. Diving to his left, Rhodes picked up the ball with his hand and Tendulkar was forced to return to the stand.
100th Catch in ODIs (2002)
Rhodes took his 100th catch in ODIs during a match between South Africa and West Indies in 2002. Rhodes’ 100th victim was Damien Martin, who was removed from the attack while trying to strike a boundary through the point area off Damien Martin. However, Martin did not succeed in his plan as Diving Rhodes pulled off one of the most surprising catches of his career to send him back.
Batsman’s Race (1993)
In 1993, Rhodes was involved in an entertaining sprint race with Desmond Hayne during an ODI match between South Africa and West Indies. After blocking a ball, Haynes ran for a quick single. However, Rhodes sprinted faster than the batsman and dived forward before hitting the underarm ball at the stumps. To everyone’s surprise, the ball hit the wickets as soon as Heyne came out of strike.
The dismissal of Briana Lara in 1997
In 1997, during an ODI match between South Africa and West Indies, Windies cricketer Carl Hooper hit the ball in the point zone and asked for a quick single from Brian Lara. However, Rhodes quickly picked up the ball and dived forward and then hit the stumps with underarm to effect Lara’s dismissal.
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