Playing against fielder like Jonty Rhodes was always a challenge – Sachin Tendulkar

Former Indian legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar stated that playing against a fielder like Jonty Rhodes was always a challenge. Tendulkar had taken to Twitter to wish Jonty Rhodes on his 51st birthday on Monday. Sachin added it was always a treat to watch Jonty Rhodes field the way he did.

Meanwhile, Jonty Rhodes is regarded as one of the best fielders the game has ever seen. Rhodes was brilliant at point position for the South African team and took some brilliant catches in his illustrious career. The former Proteas player was also magnificent in hitting the bullseye and he was a livewire on the field.

Rhodes went on to take 139 catches collectively in Test and ODI format. Not only Rhodes was a terrific fielder but also he was known to add quick runs for his team. The right-hander scored 5935 runs in 245 ODI matches at an average of 35.11 and an impressive strike rate of 80.90.

On the other hand, Rhodes amassed 2532 runs in 52 Test matches at an average of 35.66. Rhodes had a perfect technique and he shot himself into the limelight when he ran-out Inzamam-ul-Haq in the 1992 World Cup.

Rhodes came running from the point position whereas Inzamam-ul-Haq could not make his ground before the fielder flew like a bird to take out the stumps. Furthermore, there were mind-blowing catches and stops by Jonty Rhodes, who wanted every ball to come to him.

Rhodes used to make it difficult for the opposition as he would save more than 20 runs in almost every match. In fact, the batsmen had to think twice before taking a quick single when the ball was going in the direction where Rhodes was fielding.

Jonty used to tick all the right boxes in the field and hardly fumbled in his career.

Sachin Tendulkar Tweet read as, “Wishing you a very happy birthday Jonty! Playing against a fielder like you was always a challenge and to watch you field has always been a treat. Have a great one buddy”.