FORMER Worcestershire director of cricket Tom Moody said he hasn’t been surprised by the success of the man who followed him into the job.
Rhodes ended a distinguished playing career spanning two decades with Worcestershire at the end of the 2004 season.
Having joined in 1985, he had won countless trophies as part of one of the golden ages in the club’s history.
He was appointed assistant coach to Moody, himself a superb cricketer for Worcestershire, and expected to serve an apprenticeship under the Australian all-rounder.
But after two months of the 2005 season Moody left New Road to take charge and revive the fortunes of Sri Lanka and Rhodes was promoted.
And Moody, who spent nine seasons as a player and four-and-a-half as director of cricket at Worcestershire, said: “There is no surprise to me that Bumpy has stepped up and become a successful coach.
“He has always been a passionate cricketing man, and coaching has provided him with a vehicle to share that great passion and knowledge.
“During Bumpy’s playing days, there were few who had the work ethic and determination to improve their game.
“Along with this came a true competitive spirit.
“In my time as director of cricket at New Road, having Bumpy as an assistant along with Dolly (Damian D’Oliveira) provided me with two guys that I could trust and rely on in any situation,” he added