Rhodes feels no guilt for skipping Tests

South African batsman Jonty Rhodes says he feels no guilt about declining offers to return to the Test side thrashed 3-0 by Australia.

Rhodes, 32, will play for South Africa in the triangular limited overs series against Australia and New Zealand starting on Friday when Australia host New Zealand.

A veteran of 210 limited overs internationals and 52 Tests, Rhodes retired from Test cricket in 2000 to spend more time with his family but was invited to return during the three-Test series in Australia which finished last week.

Rhodes, loved by crowds around the cricket world for his acrobatic fielding, said he had received phone calls before and during the Test series asking him to come back into the side.

"I've made a commitment to my family, I've always professed that's my priority over cricket and I stood by my decision, I don't feel guilty at all," Rhodes said on Monday.

"I didn't realise it would hurt so much watching Australia win this series 3-0, so from that point of view I wouldn't have minded being here playing Test cricket.

RIGHT DECISION

"But if I had to do it again I would make the same decision. I've been very comfortable that I've made the right decision.

"They asked me during the second Test if I would consider playing. But obviously they were only going to consider me for the last Test..."

Rhodes said Australia's dominance in the test series had given cricket fans in South Africa a shock.

"But I think that people initially got a real fright. We didn't realise how strong or how dominant Australia would be over us," he said.

Rhodes was confident the Proteas could give a better showing in the limited overs series, although he added he should not be seen as the missing link.

"I hope no one is expecting me to be the catalyst, because I think at this level you need to motivate yourselves and I think we're a good enough side to do that," Rhodes said.

"But I would like to inject a bit of enthusiasm and hopefully it rubs off on the other guys, and also if you just enjoy the game.

"I think that was slightly lacking. It's not easy when you lose 3-0. There doesn't look like there's much enjoyment out there, so hopefully we can bring that back in because it's a lot easier to play when you're happier on the field."

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Mail Cricket Editor