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Delhi – The Proteas were swiped at from an unexpected source on Sunday when Jonty Rhodes expressed his surprise about South Africa’s decision to hand AB de Villiers the wicketkeeping gloves shortly before the Cricket World Cup.
According to the veteran of three World Cups and probably the best fielder of the modern era, the touring team is still the best equipped in the field – even without De Villiers, who recently took the gloves from Mark Boucher for the one-day side.
“The Proteas remain a fantastic fielding unit, but I must admit that I was surprised about the decision to use AB behind the wickets,” said Rhodes.
“He is comfortably the best fielder in the world, but is now lost to the side in that regard.”
Rhodes was part of the Proteas’ coaching team during their failed campaign in the West Indies in 2007, but finds himself in the Kenyan camp this time.
“There is little to choose between the top sides in this year’s tournament and everything will depend on the intensity with which the teams play – especially in the knockout games.”
He said the batsmen’s ability to remain standing against spinners could be decisive, but that fitness and fielding should not be underestimated as factors.
“In 1992, when we played in our first tournament, those were the areas in which we performed the best,” said Rhodes.
“It’s more different fielding here than in South Africa, Australia or England because you tire quicker. The palms of your hands start sweating after 40 overs and it gets very difficult for you to maintain concentration and intensity.”
Allan Donald, a former team-mate of Rhodes, insisted that the Proteas are well-placed to win the tournament.
Donald was a member of the side that was dramatically knocked out in 1999 after a drawn match in the semifinal against Australia.
“South Africa have always had a great side in this tournament and will always be one of the big favourites,” Donald told cricinfo.com.
“However, we lost games that we should have won in the past because of the pressure. This time South Africa will be ready for the big moments. It’s unfair to still call the side chokers,” he said.
“In the past we should have done better at big moments, but I’m sure they will this time. And then we can win the Cup.”
Delhi – The Proteas were swiped at from an unexpected source on Sunday when Jonty Rhodes expressed his surprise about South Africa’s decision to hand AB de Villiers the wicketkeeping gloves shortly before the Cricket World Cup.
According to the veteran of three World Cups and probably the best fielder of the modern era, the touring team is still the best equipped in the field – even without De Villiers, who recently took the gloves from Mark Boucher for the one-day side.
“The Proteas remain a fantastic fielding unit, but I must admit that I was surprised about the decision to use AB behind the wickets,” said Rhodes.
“He is comfortably the best fielder in the world, but is now lost to the side in that regard.”
Rhodes was part of the Proteas’ coaching team during their failed campaign in the West Indies in 2007, but finds himself in the Kenyan camp this time.
“There is little to choose between the top sides in this year’s tournament and everything will depend on the intensity with which the teams play – especially in the knockout games.”
He said the batsmen’s ability to remain standing against spinners could be decisive, but that fitness and fielding should not be underestimated as factors.
“In 1992, when we played in our first tournament, those were the areas in which we performed the best,” said Rhodes.
“It’s more different fielding here than in South Africa, Australia or England because you tire quicker. The palms of your hands start sweating after 40 overs and it gets very difficult for you to maintain concentration and intensity.”
Allan Donald, a former team-mate of Rhodes, insisted that the Proteas are well-placed to win the tournament.
Donald was a member of the side that was dramatically knocked out in 1999 after a drawn match in the semifinal against Australia.
“South Africa have always had a great side in this tournament and will always be one of the big favourites,” Donald told cricinfo.com.
“However, we lost games that we should have won in the past because of the pressure. This time South Africa will be ready for the big moments. It’s unfair to still call the side chokers,” he said.
“In the past we should have done better at big moments, but I’m sure they will this time. And then we can win the Cup.”
