Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh dies after heart attack

Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh has tragically lost the fight of his life a week after he suffered a major heart attack. 

Marsh, 74, was rushed to hospital last Thursday after he suffered a heart attack while visiting Bundaberg in Queensland for a cricket charity event.   

He was placed in an induced coma and died on Friday morning, several days after he was airlifted to an Adelaide hospital.

Rod Marsh has died a week after he was rushed to hospital suffering a major heart attack

The legendary wicketkeeper played 96 Tests for Australia and went on to serve as a selector for the national team.

Marsh scored 3,633 runs and took 355 dismissals during his illustrious career between 1970 and 1984 and was the first Australian wicketkeeper to score a Test century in 1972-73.

He went on to score another two centuries and racked up 16 half centuries for his country. He was inducted into Cricket Australia’s Hall of Fame in 2005.

His partnership with fast bowler Dennis Lillee is still regarded one of the world’s best bowler-wicketkeeper combinations.

Cricket greats have been rocked by the sad news. 

‘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.’

Rod Marsh (pictured in the 1980s) played 96 Tests for Australia in the 1970s and 1980s

Other greats and fans paid tribute on social media. 

‘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,’ Former Test batsman Dave Hussey tweeted.

Aussie woman’s cricket great Lisa Sthalekar added:  ‘So sad to hear the news of the passing of Rod Marsh. What a legend of a cricketer, a great bloke who made everyone feel welcome in this great game.’

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also paid his respects. 

‘As a kid he was my favourite player. He was part of one of the most exciting eras in Australian and world cricket. He will be remembered as one of Australia’s greatest ever Test cricket players,’ he posted.

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 Bulls Masters officials for keeping him alive.

Marsh’s death coincides with the first Test against Pakistan, which gets underway on Friday, where Australian players are expected to wear black armbands in the legend’s honour.