South Africa Veteran Jonty Rhodes Picks his Top Five Fielders

The greatest fielder the game has seen, Jonty Rhodes has picked his top five fielders in world cricket. As the 2019 World Cup approaches, the teams look to tick all the boxes; including batting, bowling and fielding. Since the sides have designated batsmen, bowlers and impactful all-rounders, the link to find the better fielders has been challenging though. Meanwhile, the five players who Jonty listed are from different countries. As two are from his home country, South Africa, one is from Australia, England and India each.

Jonty Rhodes’ top five fielders

The best memory of Rhodes is of him affecting a brilliant run-out in a game against Pakistan during the ’92 WC. The batsman, who fell short of his crease was Inzamam-ul-Haq. However, it was such an episode that it became a bright spot in history. One could say, because of that run-out, fielding became an integral part of this beautiful game. However, Rhodes has shed light on the five players who have stunned the cricketing world with their efforts on the field.

To begin with, he named the former Australia all-rounder, Andrew Symonds. Symonds, with those big hands, could save any ball going past him. His strong shoulders helped him become a better thrower as well. Rhodes reckoned the all-rounder was equally good inside the circle and outside of it too. Next on the list is his contemporary, Herschelle Gibbs. Jonty added he had fielded with Gibbs in the national team and was blessed to have him stand at the backward point position.

Following those two, the veteran named ex-England cricketer, Paul Collingwood. The Durham all-rounder was one of the greatest in-ring fielders of his time. He was so quick of his feet and perhaps had the most flexible of the bodies amongst all the players.

Here is the video –

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Who makes it into @JontyRhodes8's top five fielders? pic.twitter.com/vZrbQUnexP

— ICC (@ICC) February 13, 2019

De Villiers, Raina make it to the list as well

Not rank wise, as Rhodes cleared in the video; he had named former South African, Ab de Villiers as second on the list. Jonty added de Villiers was like his son and maybe he could sound biased, but de Villiers was an equally brilliant fielder and a catcher of the ball. Meanwhile, at the numero uno spot, the 49-year old tagged India’s, Suresh Raina.

Backing it, Jonty Rhodes added the conditions in India are tough for the fielders; and the way Raina practices or even takes catches at the field is something incredible.