Rhodes has surgery to broken hand

South African middle-order batsman Jonty Rhodes has undergone surgery on the broken hand he sustained whilst fielding in the World Cup match against Kenya in Potchefstroom yesterday.

Rhodes injured his right 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 metacarpal bone on his right hand.

Rhodes was taken through to Johannesburg yesterday afternoon to see a hand specialist who, under local anesthetic, 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.

South African team physiotherapist Shane Jabaar said," the specialist felt that Jonty would have the pins in for about 3 weeks to allow for the bones to knit together and the fracture to heal. Thereafter there would be some pain, but that could be managed."

Jabaar added," 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 himself said it was an awkward time for it to happen, but remains 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."

Selection convener Omar Henry said that he will be speaking 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.