Rhodes arrives in Pakistan

Jonty Rhodes is excited at the prospect of working with players he considers as top-class athletes © Getty Images Enlarge

Jonty Rhodes has arrived in Lahore to begin his two-week stint with the Pakistan team as well as the junior teams and Academy cricketers as a fielding consultant.

Pakistan hired Rhodes for a 15-day period after some increasingly ragged displays in the field during the last international home season, culminating with disastrous performances in the field against India in the ODI series in February.

Rhodes, who played 52 Tests and 245 ODIs during an illustrious career, is regarded by many as the best fielder of his generation and easily among the best to have ever played the game.

According to a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official, the more important aspect of his stint would be to inspire youngsters during his short stay in Pakistan.

"Rhodes is an icon in the cricket world and we believe he could inspire our younger generation of cricketers to work harder on their fitness," said Abbas Zaidi, PCB's Director of Board Operations.

Rhodes too spoke encouragingly about the abilities of the Pakistan players and hoped to instill a more positive approach towards fielding. "We are talking about some of the world's best players," Rhodes told The News. "They make a top-class team and I am sure they can be very good fielders."

After arriving in Pakistan, Rhodes is scheduled to work with the Pakistan team players for almost a week during a camp starting at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from June 12. He will also work with the Pakistan A players bound for Australia in July.