Pakistan plan to use Rhodes as fielding coach

KARACHI, Apr 21 (Reuters) Pakistan are set to hire former South Africa international Jonty Rhodes on a short-term basis to help improve their fielding, the Pakistan Cricket Board said today.

''The chances are good that we will get Rhodes on a short-term contract. We should be able to have him in Pakistan in May,'' a PCB official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The 37-year-old Rhodes played 52 tests and 245 one-day internationals between 1992 and 2003 and is recognized as one of the most outstanding fielders in modern cricket.

The official said that the aim was to get Rhodes on a short-term assignment to train the Pakistan senior and 'A' team players.

''We want him working with our senior players before they tour England in June and then train our younger players at the National Cricket Academy,'' he added.

Despite satisfactory results in recent months that include test series wins over England, India and Sri Lanka, Pakistan have come under criticism for their inconsistent fielding standards.

REUTERS PM DS1356