Rod Marsh leaves world after heart attack

Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh lost the battle of his life a week after he suffered a major heart attack. The former Australian wicket keeper died on Friday aged 74.

Marsh was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack while visiting Bundaberg in Queensland for a cricket charity event.  He was airlifted to an Adelaide hospital and was placed in an induced coma before leaving the world on Friday.

The legendary Australian wicket keeper represented Australia in 96 Tests between 1970 and 1984. and scored 3633 runs. He had 355 dismissals to his name during his illustrious career.

Rodney Marsh was  the first ever Australian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in 1972-73.

Marsh is survived by his wife Ros and sons Dan, Paul and Jamie.

The family confirmed the cricket legend was in a critical condition earlier this week.

‘We know there is a lot of interest in Dad’s condition and our family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support from all around the world,’ a statement read.

‘We have listened to and read every one of them and we are incredibly grateful to everyone.’

The family also thanked staff at Bundaberg Hospital, the Australian Cricketers’ Association and Queensland Bulls Masters officials for keeping him alive.

Marsh’s death coincides with the first Test against Pakistan, which gets underway on Friday.

Australian players are expected to wear black armbands in the legend’s honour. 

Cricketers on Rod Marsh’s death:

Brett Lee:

‘I think it’s taken everyone by surprise, 74 years young,’ former Test bowler Brett Lee told Perth radio station SEN Mornings.

‘The guy played 96 Test matches … he is an absolute legend of the game, a legend of a bloke, a typical Aussie that played his cricket hard and enjoyed a beer.

‘I got to know Rod extremely well down at the cricket academy in 1994/95, he was just a terrific guy.’

Mark Waugh:

So incredibly sad to hear of the passing of Rod (Bacchus) Marsh, an absolute icon of Australian cricket. 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.’ 

David Hussey:

‘Sad day with the passing of the great Rod Marsh. His saying, ‘cricket is a simple game made complicated’ still resonates with me. Rod will be missed, thoughts are with his family.’