Jonty Rhodes is interested in furthering his career outside of South African cricket, revealing that he would regard South Australia as an ideal place to play the game.

Rhodes, who is available for the Proteas in limited over internationals only, told Adelaide radio station 5AA that he would be keen to play under the Australian cricket structure.

"I would be really interested in coming to Australia. I've got a lot of respect for the Australian cricket side and the set up of the game in Australia," he said.

Rhodes (who has previously received offers to play county cricket) has yet to be given the chance to play with a domestic team Down Under but the idea of playing at the Adelaide Oval is one that appeals to him.

"I don't hit the ball straight so the square boundaries are perfect for the sweep, the reverse sweep and the pull."

At 32, the veteran of 52 Tests and 227 one-day internationals says he has to look at what he will do when he finishes playing but would prefer it to be later rather than sooner.

"I've got to the stage at the end of my international career that I'm getting a bit nervous (about) joining the real world so I'm trying to prolong it for as long as possible.

"I'm not too sure of what else I am capable of achieving away from the cricket arena."

The only drawback for the Redbacks if they decided to pursue Rhodes would be his potential unavailability during the months of February and March, when the World Cup is being played on his home turf in South Africa.

© 2002 CricInfo Ltd