Although Jonty Rhodes underwent surgery on his broken right hand on Wednesday night, it remains unclear whether the selectors will name a replacement for the South African middle order batsman in the 15-man squad for the remainder of the Cricket World Cup.
The recovery period for the break of the fifth metacarpal bone on his right hand is expected to be three weeks and Rhodes said on Thursday that it was up to the selectors whether or not to replace him.
Selection convenor Omar Henry said that he would speak with his fellow selectors and the team management through the day and would hope to make an announcement regarding Rhodes’s further participation in the tournament by late Thursday afternoon.
Henry said on Thursday morning that on-form all-rounder Andrew Hall would be the most likely replacement for Rhodes from the existing 15-man squad.
Should the injury prevent Rhodes from taking any further part in the competition, South Africa will be able to call up a reserve.
Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie are the front runners to replace the 33 year old Rhodes if necessary. However, the selectors could do worse than turn to Jacques Rudolph. The 21 year old Rudolph has also made a stack of runs, including a 152 at better than a run ball against Australia for the Northern Titans last week.
Rhodes injured his hand when trying to catch Maurice Odumbe in the 31st over of the Kenyan innings. An X-ray in Potchefstroom revealed a break of the fifth etacarpal bone.
Rhodes was taken through to Johannesburg on Wednesday afternoon to see a hand specialist who, under local anaesthetic, reduced the fracture and inserted two pins to hold the bone together and facilitate union at the fracture site by immobilisation.
He then rejoined the team in Potchefstroom.
”The specialist felt that Jonty would have the pins in for about three weeks to allow for the bones to knit together and the fracture to heal,” said South African team physiotherapist Shane Jabaar. ”Thereafter there would be some pain, but that could be managed.
”During the period of recuperation Jonty will continue to train and exercise in order to strengthen and constantly improve the functional use of his right hand.”
Rhodes said on Thursday that it was an awkward time for it to happen, but that he remained positive. ”I suppose if I was going to break something during the World Cup then now is as good a time as any, at least we have got three weeks before the Super Sixes. Its not the end of the world, I have played with pain before.”
Rhodes broke the same bone but in his left hand in Australia on the 1992/93 tour.
As to his further participation in the World Cup, Rhodes said: ”I have no idea what the selectors plans are for me, I will just have to wait and see.” – Sapa