New Delhi: South Africa fielding legend Jonty Rhodes on Friday was all praise for the work ethic of Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and former team mate Jacques Kallis. Giving tips to budding cricketers present at a talent hunt — the Indian Junior Players League — here, Rhodes said: “I was deeply impressed with the work ethic of Tendulkar, who despite being the best batsman in the world, never took anything for granted and tried to give his best every single time. He used to work on his batting more than anyone else in the team. The same holds true for Jacques Kallis, who was always committed towards doing better than what he had previously done.”
Rhodes included Virat Kohli in the same league, saying the India Test captain worked a lot not only on his batting but also on his fielding and fitness. Rhodes, who represented his country in 52 Tests, said that India’s forthcoming Test series against England would be a tough test for the visitors. “It’s going to be tough for England. Being in India for five Tests is physically and mentally very demanding because you are in a situation where conditions are not comfortable to you and it puts you under a bit more pressure,” said the 47-year-old.
Rhodes stressed that fansinterest in Test cricket was not dying. “India playing Tests, especially against Pakistan, draw spectators in huge numbers. Same is the case with the Ashes (Australia vs England). But I believe that innovations in Test cricket should be welcomed to keep the charm of the format intact,” he said. Rhodes also said that T20 was not solely a batsmen’s game as bowlers who adapted to conditions well could also dictate terms.
