Former Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh has died, aged 74, eight days after suffering a heart attack.
Marsh died in Adelaide on Friday after his heart attack in Bundaberg last Thursday.
He played 96 Tests for Australia between 1970 and 1984 as one of the nation’s finest players and was denied more because he chose to play World Series Cricket. He later became Australia’s chairman of selectors from early 2014 to late 2016.
Marsh came into the Test team amidst controversy and was dubbed ‘Iron Gloves’ after some early fumbles, but soon established himself as a match winner and became the first test wicketkeeper to score a century for Australia.
Marsh had been in Bundaberg for a cricket event when he suffered a major heart attack and was rushed to hospital.
He was transferred to an Adelaide hospital earlier this week.
Australian captain Pat Cummins said earlier this week he and his teammates had Marsh in their thoughts ahead of the first Test, set to begin in Rawalpindi on Friday.
“We’ve been following from afar,” he said.
“We’re all rallying behind him and his family and (Marsh’s wife) Ros.”
“Quite a few players and staff members have had really good relationships with Rod in the past,” said Cummins.
“Obviously we wish him all the best. It’s really tough. It’s certainly been a conversation point over here. We’re all rallying around him.”
On Sunday, Marsh’s son, Paul, said his family had been “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of concern for his father.
Marsh had a flair for the spectacular as a batsman and wicketkeeper and his partnership with Dennis Lillee was the best we’ve ever seen – no duo in the history of the game has combined for more dismissals.
“As players, they were a captain’s dream,” wrote Ian Chappell in a combined biography of the pair.
” At one end a talented fast bowler who, with huge heart, was always ready to give just one last effort for his team … At the other end a man whose skill with the gloves could lift a team with a brilliant catch or who could offer some tactical advice that might turn a game in the team’s favour.”
Marsh was forthright and never took a backward step.
He tried to talk Greg Chappell down from his decision to have Trevor Chappell bowl underarm against the Kiwis imploring “no way mate, no way mate, you can’t do this”
On retirement from playing Marsh had a brief stint in the commentary box for Nine but was sacked by Kerry packer for being critical of the number of one day matches on the schedule.
He then turned his attention to coaching and player development with a large measure of success – taking over as head coach of the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide in the 1990s and early 2000s where he was integral to the careers of Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee among others.
The tributes flowed in after the news broke Friday.
.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
My biggest memory of Marsh was the underarm bowl - typical Kiwi I know - but it stands out because as Chappell was telling everyone what he was going to do, Marsh stood up and said ‘No, don’t do it.’ To openly defy and argue with your captain because of your principals and values, takes a strong man, and he forever has my respect. RIP mate.
Tony
Roar Guru
Great stuff Mick :cricket:
Rellum
Roar Guru
Great Man and great loss to the game
JohnB
Roar Rookie
And at least in the conversation when the topic of best Test captains we never had comes up.
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Thanks David. My mistake.
Mick Gold Coast QLD
Roar Guru
A sad loss this, Rod Marsh was a constant figure in our young lives, together with Peter Brock, John Newcombe, Jack Newton, Midge Farrelly, Provan, John Hipwell, Ablett and Johnny Warren ... We didn’t much like him when he first appeared, for no logical reason. I doubt we could have found Western Australia on a map back then. I think it had something to do with our fathers regarding him as an impudent intruder on sacred ground occupied by his sainted, widely loved predecessors, Brian Taber, Barry Jarman and Wally Grout. “Iron gloves” according to the press in his first few outings. Few Australian sportsmen in my lifetime have attracted the universal admiration and respect enjoyed by Rod, he became the heart and soul of the Australian team; and he went on to serve the game faithfully and honourably for the rest of his life. His legacy offers one quite profound marker: Under the Southern Cross I stand A sprig of wattle in my hand A native of my native land Australia, you bloody beauty! … his work, first revealed in a joyous, ringing rendition standing on the dressing room table at Old Trafford in 1972. It was inspired by Henry Lawson’s Flag of the Southern Cross and the honour of leading it has been passed down a line of worthy custodians in Border, Boon, Healy, Ponting, Langer and Hussey. It is only a matter of time before it is hijacked for a promotional piece on the true heroes of cricket who play in circuses on the sub-continent, Riyadh and Monte Carlo, with Cricket Australia as a second tier sleeve sponsor. May the Good Lord bless and keep this good, good man.
barnyard
Guest
Mitch will be a bit surprised to learn he had a long lost uncle...
Barnyard
Guest
I think you need to re watch the video. He never sat down. But his protest and calling out "no no!" was memorable A good man
Redcap
Roar Guru
I'm not old enough to have seen him play, but it's obvious from all I've heard and read - reinforced by the tributes today - that he leaves a significant legacy to Australian cricket. An inspiration to young keeper-bats as a player and a big contribution to shaping future generations through his work at the academy and elsewhere. RIP, Mr Marsh.
David
Guest
Mitch is no relation to Rod.
DTM
Roar Rookie
Very sad to lose Rod Marsh. He was the reason I followed cricket and then took up playing. As a left handed bat and a wicket keeper, I wanted to be like him. Of course, I was nowhere near as good but that didn't stop me dreaming.
Kolya
Guest
Same here. He was my favourite all time keeper. Saw him play a few times including that famous Ashes test in 82/83 at the MCG on day four.
chris
Guest
*Marsh
Ace
Roar Rookie
It's so sad to lose a legend like Marsh. I've seen all his career from afar and together with the flood deaths and those in Ukraine I really feel deflated with the news
chris
Guest
One of my sporting heroes growing up. I always felt we could rescue any innings with March at 6 or 7 coming in. RIP.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
A great player from one of Australia's best cricket eras, the 1970s. A real icon of the game, and seemed like a great bloke too. When Rod Marsh and Doug Walters were at the crease together, it sure made for some entertaining viewing.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
R.I.P. Rod Marsh. An absolute champion who I was privileged to watch in action in person at the SCG. I still applaud his decision to sit down in protest and not keep the underarm delivery Greg Chappell ordered in 1981.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Very sad, he was at the forefront when I started following cricket as a kid. RIP mate, you have a fond place in our history.
Lukestar
Roar Rookie
My 1st day at a test match was one of his last at the SCG. Thanks to uncle Mick for taking me and Marsh for the memories. Both RIP. :cricket: :cricket:
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I'm jealous but such a pall to cast over the day.