Rhodes injures throwing arm

He strained tendons above his right wrist, but the damage was regarded as so trivial that he played in a benefit match the following week.

However, the injury has failed to clear up and while Rhodes has been able to bat at nets, he cannot throw. Rhodes8217; athletic fielding and lightning throws from back ward point are a key element in South Africa8217;s one-day cricket team.

A disappointed Rhodes said he hoped to be fit for South Africa8217;s second warm-up game against Kent in Canterbury on Sunday. Coach Bob Woolmer said Rhodes had been hitting the ball quot;sweetlyquot; but said being unable to field was a mental setback for the player.

While Rhodes8217; injurybecame a worry for the World Cup favourites, there was relief when fast bowler Allan Donald came through a fitness test. Donald, who suffered a torn stomach muscle on South Africa8217;s tour of New Zealand last month, bowled at close to full pace in a simulated match situation. He sent down a total of ten overs in two spells.

Donald will play against Sussex, but fellow pace bowler Steve Elworthy was not Considered because of a strained left calf muscle sustained in a collision with assistant coach Corrie van Zyl during a touch rugby game.

Woolmer said it was hoped Elworthy would be back in action for the final warm-up match against Middlesex at Southgate on Tuesday.