24 January,2011 09:05 AM IST | | Sai Mohan
Ask formeru00a0SA all-rounder Dave Callaghan, who was on the field at Brabourne stadium when Jonty Rhodes took five catches in the 1993 Hero cup ODI The brilliant Jonty Rhodes in the field.
Dave Callaghan, whose international career was curtailed because of testicular cancer, played 29 one-day internationals for South Africa between 1992 and 2000. He didn't go to Australia for the 1992 World Cup because of his cancer, but visited India during the Hero Cup in 1993, and was on the field at Brabourne Stadium when Jonty Rhodes claimed the world record five catches against West Indies.
That day
Callaghan recalled: "Daryl Cullinan, who scored 70 in that game, was suffering from heat exhaustion. He had to be put in a box of ice, and the doctors said he was close to death that day. Hence, I had to get on the field as a substitute and had the privilege of watching Jonty Rhodes take those five spectacular catches from a close distance. It was an unforgettable night.u00a0 In his first innings after recovering from cancer, he smashed 169 off 143 against New Zealand at Centurion.
Callaghan, who played for Eastern Province for 19 years, was a close friend of Hansie Cronje. When the former South Africa captain withdrew from the three-match ODI series at home against Australia in April 2000 to deal with charges of match-fixing that were laid against him by New Delhi Police, it was Callaghan who was called upon to replace him.u00a0
"I was in top form in domestic cricket during that season. On sheer weight of runs, I was chosen to take Hansie's place. It was a Sunday evening when I was called up to the squad. I remember calling him the previous evening, asking him if he was involved in fixing. We were very good friends, and shared a lot of benefits together.
Oh, Hansie!
"I was very excited about the recall, grabbed my kit and rushed to Durban for the first ODI against Australia. When I reached Durban, I went over to Hansie's room and was shocked. I saw five beers in the middle of the table. I walked through to the bedroom to find the bed wasn't made.
"I saw a piece of paper next to the telephone with numbers of Ali Bacher, Graeme Pollock, and a few others. I met the players at about 3 pm in the afternoon. They were all clueless about what was going on.
"The next day our true spirit came out as we beat Australia at Kingsmead, and went on to win the series," said Callaghan.
"We have forgiven him (Hansie). Everybody makes mistakes. I never believed for one moment that he could throw a game. I have trained with him and have seen his dedication. Maybe, he placed a few bets here and there, and was showcased in his movie, but I don't think he ever threw a game," adds Callaghan.
