One of the greatest fielders of all time, Jonty Rhodes revealed his top five picks among the modern-era fielders. The former South African cricketer named Suresh Raina at numero uno on his list and stated that he has been a huge fan of the Indian southpaw cricketer.
In a conversation with the International Council (ICC), Rhodes described the magnificent fielding skills of Raina and said that he is never hesitant to dive even in rough Indian conditions made him special besides the fact that he fielded well at all positions.
Here’s the video:
One from 🇦🇺
One from 🏴
One from 🇮🇳
Two from 🇿🇦Who makes it into @JontyRhodes8's top five fielders? pic.twitter.com/vZrbQUnexP
— ICC (@ICC) February 13, 2019
In reply, Raina expressed his happiness on being picked as the No 1 fielder. He took to his official Twitter account and wrote, “You’ve always inspired me by setting the highest standards on the field!”
Here’ the post:
So glad to have retained my number 1⃣ spot on your list all these years, @JontyRhodes8 ! You've always inspired me by setting the highest standards on the field! https://t.co/DD93jfmj5Y
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) February 13, 2019
Apart from Raina, Rhodes voted for former Australia cricketer Andrew Symonds saying the latter fielded well both within and outside the circle and had a very strong arm. He also revealed with sheer modesty that he fielded only inside the circle in his playing days.
WATCH – Jonty Rhodes Considers Suresh Raina As the Best Fielder
At No.4, Jonty picked his former teammate Herschelle Gibbs. Calling the former SA batsman an “incredible fielder”, Rhodes said it was great to field alongside Gibbs at backward point. After that Rhodes took the name of former England captain and cricketer Paul Collingwood who was also a good fielder. He also drew a parallel between him and Collingwood said the latter fielded in a position similar to him.
Rhodes’ next favorite is another former South African cricketer AB de Villiers who only retired last year. Rhodes said when he worked as South Africa’s fielding coach, he would get upset to see ABD donning the wicket-keeping gloves because he thought he was a good fielder.
