Cricket is a game that has much to do with statistics and averages, but one cannot judge Jonty Rhodes purely on those because he was worth far more than the story those numbers tell.
As a batsman he began his international career with some shortcomings in his technique, but managed to work those out to become a top-class international player. What is more, his selection introduced a new dimension to fielding, as he became generally recognised as the best fielder in the world, the inspiration for a South African team that set a world standard in the field.
(The dive that astounded the cricketing world)
That is how Jonty Rhodes first came to the attention of the world: South Africa was facing Pakistan in March 1992 in the World Cup in a match played in Brisbane. The dangerous Inzamam ul-Haq was at the crease for Pakistan when he discovered just how good Rhodes is in the field.
Swooping onto a ball from his position at backward point, Rhodes raced ul-Haq, who had ventured down the pitch, to the crease, beating him, with his right arm holding the ball and extended like Superman, with a dive that knocked all three stumps out of the ground. The pictures were shown around the world and a legend was born.
There was an article in a South African newspaper that screamed to life with these words, “Water covers 67 per cent of the earth’s surface - Jonty covers the rest.” that about summed it all up! A real livewire in the field, setting high standards for fielding.
He holds the World Record for most dismissals by a non-wicketkeeper in a One Day International, after taking five catches against the West Indies in the Hero Cup match in Bombay in 1993/94
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