9.00am
POTCHEFSTROOM - Jonty Rhodes has been axed from South Africa's cricket World Cup squad after breaking a bone in his right hand.
The decision seems certain to end Rhodes' international career. He had said he intended to retire after the tournament.
The selectors decided to call for a replacement after Rhodes, the team's talisman and widely regarded as the best fielder in the world, was ruled out for three weeks by the injury.
South Africa media manager Gerald de Kock said: "The decision was made by all the selectors in consultation with the orthopaedic surgeon, the coach and the captain."
Batsman Graeme Smith is on stand-by to join the squad.
"We will be applying to the technical committee tomorrow morning for their approval of a replacement," de Kock added.
Rhodes suffered the injury during South Africa's 10-wicket win over Kenya in Group B on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old, who has suffered previous hand trouble, was taken to hospital where an x-ray confirmed the break. He was immediately sent to Johannesburg to consult a specialist and then underwent surgery, with two pins inserted to stabilise the fracture.
Rhodes had spilt a catch offered from Maurice Odumbe near the end of the Kenya innings at Potchefstroom before being replaced later by 12th man Andrew Hall.
Rhodes, whose athleticism in the field is often said to be worth 30 runs per innings and who also plays a key role as a batting 'finisher', had had the same hand x-rayed after South Africa's shock opening defeat to West Indies. That had showed severe bruising but no break.
Rhodes, also a hockey international, who retired from test cricket in 2000 to concentrate on one-dayers and to spend more time at home.
- REUTERS
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Cricket: Smith on standby to replace injured Rhodes
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