Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh dead at age 74

Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh has died in Adelaide a week after suffering from a serious heart attack. 

The 74-year-old former wicketkeeper died in hospital today, March 4. Marsh was in Bundaberg for an event for the Bulls Masters charity group before he was rushed to hospital in critical condition on Thursday, February 24. 

On Sunday, February 27, Marsh’s son Paul announced his father was in an induced coma and said the “family has been overwhelmed by the messages of love and support from all around the world.”

“We have listened to and read every one of them, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone,” he said at the time.

There has been an outpouring of grief and support from cricket fans all over the world, with tributes flowing on social media. 

RIP Rod Marsh ????

Our thoughts are with the legend’s family and massive thanks Rod for some amazing Ashes memories. pic.twitter.com/CDFUOQxG9x

— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) March 3, 2022

Australian cricket commentator and former international cricketer Mark Waugh wrote he was “so incredibly sad” to hear about the death of “an absolute icon” of Australian cricket.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall described Marsh as a “great Australian.” 

“I think all South Australians would mourn his passing when we heard about it this morning,” he said.

“… I grew up in the 70s and the 80s and he was larger than life — an incredible character, an incredible wicketkeeper, an incredible Australian.”

The Sport Australia Hall of Fame is mourning the passing of esteemed Member Rod Marsh MBE who passed away on Friday, March 4, 2022 following a major heart attack last Thursday. He was 74 years old.

Read more: https://t.co/8YyeNxqDO8 pic.twitter.com/HBC6IadCCL

— Sport Australia Hall of Fame (@sportaushof) March 4, 2022

On Twitter, South Australian Labor leader Peter Malinauskas said Marsh played “hard but fair, and his loss will be felt far and wide.” 

“As a player Rod Marsh was formidable,” he wrote.

Marsh played 96 Test matches for Australia between 1970 and 1984, snaring 355 dismissals behind the stumps.

He also previously served as Australia’s chairman of selectors before stepping down from the role in 2016. 

Marsh is survived by his wife, Roslyn, and sons Daniel, Paul and Jamie.