Former South Africa cricketer Jonty Rhodes, known for being among the best fielders in the world during his playing days, especially after his spectacular fielding 1992 Cricket World Cup, is set to step foot on the ground and compete in another World Cup.
The former Proteas cricketer, who played 245 ODIs and 52 Tests and was recently named in the 16-man squad for the Over-50 World Cup, which is set to be played in Cape Town in March 2020, will be playing professional cricket after 17 years.
The 6-member squad was announced on Monday. Rhodes is part of the side which has the likes of Alan Dawson, Dave Callaghan, Louis Koen, Pieter Strydom and Henry Williams, all of whom have played for South Africa international cricket.
“It is a huge honour and one I never imagined would happen again,” said Rhodes who played 52 Tests and 245 ODIs for his country. Another chance at a World Cup after my career ended at the 2003 event…it is super exciting. It’s a first World Cup for most of the guys but, for me and Dawsey, who was also part of the 1999 squad, it’s another chance to try and win one!” Rhodes said as quoted by iol.co.za.
The squad will be coached by the former legendary fast bowler Alan Donald, who said, “It’s a strong squad on paper and I have no doubt they’ll do their country proud, but there’s a lot of hard work to do before the tournament because teams like Pakistan and the West Indies are also full of former internationals while England and Australia have long-established Veterans leagues so they’re always strong.”
SA Over-50 full Squad:
Jonty Rhodes, Dave Callaghan, Louis Koen, Alan Dawson, Pieter Strydom, Kenny Jackson, Dave Holgate, Anwell Newman, Neil Fusedale, Rodney Malamba, Mlungisi ‘Lefty’ Ngece, Dave Duncan, Warne Rippon, Brad Player, Nazeem White, Henry Williams.
