Jonathan Neil Rhodes, popularly known as Jonty Rhodes, was born on July 27, 1969, in Pietermaritzburg, the capital and second-largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He gained recognition for his exceptional fielding skills and became one of the most celebrated cricketers of his era, particularly noted for his performances in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Rhodes made his Test debut against India during the "Friendship Tour" at Kingsmead, Durban, on November 13, 1992. In the match, he scored 41 runs in the first innings and remained not out on 26 in the second. Despite a respectable Test career, Rhodes announced his retirement from Test cricket in 2001 to concentrate on ODIs and extend his playing career through the 2003 Cricket World Cup. His final Test appearance was on August 6, 2000, at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, against Sri Lanka, where he contributed scores of 21 and 54.
Rhodes made his One Day International debut in South Africa's opening match of the 1992 Cricket World Cup against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground on February 26, 1992. He gained global attention during a World Cup match against Pakistan, when he famously dived full length to run out Inzamam-ul-Haq—a moment that became one of the most iconic in ODI history. South Africa had scored 211 in 50 overs, and Pakistan's target was adjusted to 194 in 36 overs due to rain interruptions.
From 1992 to 2003, Rhodes represented South Africa in international cricket. According to a 2005 Cricinfo report, he achieved the ninth-highest number of run-outs in ODIs since the 1999 World Cup and maintained the third-highest success rate among fielders.
Standing at approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, Rhodes redefined the role of a fielder in cricket. One of his standout achievements came on November 14, 1993, at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, where he set a world record by taking five catches in a single ODI match against the West Indies—the most dismissals by a non-wicketkeeper fielder in a single ODI. This feat remains a highlight in his professional biography.
He officially announced his intention to retire from One Day Internationals after the 2003 Cricket World Cup, which was co-hosted by South Africa.
| Birth Date: | 27 Jul, 1969 |
| Age: | 50 yrs |
| Occupations: | Cricketer |
| Citizenship: | South Africa |
| Birth Place: | Pietermaritzburg |
| Education: | University of Natal Maritzburg College |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | South African cricketer |
