Watch: 51-year-old Jonty Rhodes rolled back the years with a trademark direct hit from backward point during the Road Safety World Series match between South Africa and Bangladesh.

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Rhodes retired from one-day cricket in 2003 and has since worked in various coaching roles in different leagues and countries. However, his swift reflexes and nimble footedness seem to have stayed with him through the years.

Last year, a video of Rhodes diving full stretch to cling on to a catch during a practice session for Kings XI Punjab did the rounds on social media, with fans marvelling at his fitness and commitment even in his 50s.

And now, in the Road Safety World Series, a competition that is witnessing a range of former superstars take the field, Rhodes recreated some of his old magic from backward point, a position that saw him revolutionise fielding in modern-day cricket.

Off the final delivery of the fourth over of Bangladesh Legends’ innings, Mehrab Hossain nudged one towards Rhodes and set off for a quick single. However, challenging Rhodes’ arm is never a good option, not even if it’s 2021. With one quick swoop, Rhodes picked the ball up and hurled it, still off-balance, towards the non-striker’s end, hitting the base of the stumps with a direct hit.

Soon, his teammates had gathered around him to celebrate with Rhodes in the middle of the huddle, smiling, just like old times. We had truly been transported back to the Nineties.

Watch the run-out here, 20 seconds into video:

Related tags:

Global T20 LeaguesSeries EditorialRoad Safety World Series