‘A colossal figure’: Australian cricket great Rod Marsh dies at 74 | Cricket News – Times of India
The 74-year-old Marsh, who played 96 Tests and was later a long-time national selector, had been in an induced coma and passed away peacefully in an Adelaide hospital on Friday morning, his family confirmed.
“We are so grateful for all the love and support our family has received from so many people over the last week,” they said in a statement. “It has given us strength in the most difficult week of our lives.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Marsh. A brilliant wicketkeeper and hard-hitting batter, Rod’s contr… https://t.co/JkmdoWfxj8
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) 1646355073000
Perth-born Marsh made his international debut in 1970 against England before retiring in 1984 with what was then a world-record 355 Test dismissals, 95 off the bowling of legendary paceman Dennis Lillee.
Nicknamed ‘Iron Gloves’, he also played 92 ODIs and as a dashing left-hander was the first Australian wicketkeeper to score a Test century against Pakistan in 1982.
After his playing career, he remained closely linked to the game as head of the Australian Cricket Academy, helping nurture dozens of players including Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Justin Langer, before becoming chairman of selectors.
Extremely sad to hear about the passing away of Rod Marsh. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. https://t.co/HWZW73b0z4
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) 1646359619000
His former captain and long-time friend Ian Chappell told Channel Nine that Marsh was respected by all those he played with and against.
“His tentacles were pretty widespread in cricket, so there were a lot of people that knew him, and even if somebody didn’t necessarily like him, they respected him,” Chappell said.
“He was always happy to have a yarn, he had a good sense of humour, anybody that met him enjoyed his company.”
Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game & an inspiration to so many young… https://t.co/lxNZS6QX48
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) 1646358822000
Current Test captain Pat Cummins hailed him as “a colossal figure in Australian cricket who gave close to 50 years of incredible service”.
“When I think of Rod I think of a generous and larger-than-life character who always had a life-loving, positive and relaxed outlook, and his passing leaves a massive void in the Australian cricket community,” said Cummins, who is in Pakistan for Australia’s first Test tour since 1998.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Marsh was his favourite player growing up and called him “a fierce competitor and a fine sportsman who valued what the game stood for”.
“He will be remembered as one of Australia’s greatest ever Test cricket players,” he added.
Extremely Saddened to hear about Rod Marsh. Thoughts and Sympathy to his family. It was an absolute honour and pri… https://t.co/dw8MPZXZVa
— Fawad Ahmed (@bachaji23) 1646353708000
Batting great Mark Waugh said Marsh was “an absolute icon”.
“Had the pleasure of working with Rod for a number of years as a selector and you wouldn’t meet a more honest, down to earth, kind hearted person. RIP,” he said on Twitter.
Even England’s Barmy Army supporter group paid tribute, tweeting: “Our thoughts are with the legend’s family and massive thanks Rod for some amazing Ashes memories.”
So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Rod (Bacchus)Marsh an absolute icon of Aust cricket. Had the pleasure o… https://t.co/fx4O4sc39x
— Mark Waugh (@juniorwaugh349) 1646349518000
Marsh was director of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s national academy from 2001-2005 and was credited with helping rejuvenate their national team.
He is survived by wife Roslyn and sons Daniel, Paul and Jamie.
Marsh had been at a charity event in Queensland state last week when he collapsed, with son Paul on Monday announcing his father remained in an induced coma.
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