Australian cricket great Rodney Marsh, widely regarded as one of the finest wicketkeepers to ever play the game, has died after suffering a heart attack at a charity event, his former teammates said Friday. The 74-year-old, who played 96 Tests and was later a long-time national selector, had been in an induced coma and passed away at a hospital in Adelaide, reports ndtvsports.com
Marsh made his debut in 1970 before retiring in 1984 with what was then a world-record 355 Test dismissals, many off the bowling of legendary paceman Dennis Lillee.
He was the first Australian wicketkeeper to score a Test century.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rod Marsh. A brilliant wicketkeeper and hard-hitting batter, Rod's contribution to Australian cricket was outstanding and he will be truly missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Ros, children Paul, Dan and Jamie and his many friends," Cricket Australia tweeted.
After his playing career, Marsh remained closely linked to the game as head of the Australian Cricket Academy, helping nurture dozens of Test players including Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, before becoming chairman of selectors.
His former captain and long-time friend Ian Chappell told Channel Nine Marsh was respected by all those he played with and against.
"It wasn't just his playing ability, although that was a big part of it," Chappell said.
"The thing about Rod was, you knew where you stood with him, he always said what he thought, and you can handle that, because he was up-front."
In confirming his death, Cricket Tasmania said it was "extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Rod Marsh overnight".
"Rod is an icon of Australian cricket and his passing signifies a great loss for the game the world over," it added.
Marsh is survived by wife Roslyn and sons Daniel, Paul and Jamie.
He 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.