Cronje hails gem of a catch (27 March 1999)

27 March 1999

Cronje hails gem of a catch

The Christchurch Press

Hansie Cronje said it was the best catch his team had ever seen; Stephen Fleming could not think of a better one - everyone was awe-struck by Nathan Astle's out-of-this world catch in the fourth one-day cricket international.

Astle ran about 15m at top speed, seemingly in vain to claim a Shaun Pollock blow to the long-on boundary. He flung out his left hand then ball and hand made contact simultaneously for the catch of the century.

"We don't think we've seen a better one and don't think we will for the rest of our lives," said South African skipper Cronje, not one given to over-statement.

"It was a gem. Diving to his left on a wet outfield, it was amazing."

Fleming said his players were struggling to recall anything as sensational as Astle's catch. "It was something special."

However, Fleming did recall a screamer taken by Gary Kirsten flying along the boundary to dismiss Chris Cairns in a centenary series game at Jade Stadium in 1994-95.

Astle's acrobatics were to no avail as the Proteas grabbed a come-from-behind victory on the final ball, when Lance Klusener smashed six into the crowd.

Fleming expects to play in today's fifth match at Eden Park despite his groin injury being tender from playing on successive days.

"I was expecting to have a rest day but with the rain, that didn't happen. It's pretty ginger at the moment and I've had to keep icing it."

Meanwhile, the Proteas will be without Allan Donald for the final two games in the series. He suffered a recurrence of his stomach strain muscle injury when starting a spell.

Wicketkeeper Mark Boucher who batted with a runner will be fit to play despite receiving a minor groin injury while in the field.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)