Rhodes, Gibbs pay tribute to 'father of fielding'

Cape Town - Former Proteas star Jonty Rhodes has paid tribute to Colin Bland, who passed away in London on Saturday.

READ: SA fielding legend dies aged 80

Bland, who played 21 Tests for South Africa between 1961 and 1966, was widely considered the best fielder of his generation. 

Having fought a long battle against colon cancer, Bland passed away at his home in London. 

Rhodes, himself one of the greatest fielders the game has ever seen, took to Twitter on Monday to pay his respects. 

The 48-year-old, who earned 52 Test caps and played in 245 ODIs between 1992 and 2003, referred to Bland as the 'father of fielding'.

Herschelle Gibbs, also one of the greatest fielders South Africa has ever produced, expressed his sympathies as well. 

"I was told he was something special in the field," Gibbs wrote on his Twitter account.

Sad to hear about the passing of the #fatheroffielding Colin Bland this past weekend. RIP and condolences to his family #fieldingrevolution

— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) April 16, 2018

Sad to hear about mr blands passing...I was told he was something special in the field. My hero growing up was kirsy and he spoke highly of Colin bland.

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) April 16, 2018