Vale Rodney Marsh

On behalf of all Western Australians and those with a love of the game of cricket, today sees the passing one of the true icons of Australian sport.

Cricket followers would have been saddened to wake to the news that former Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh had passed away in Adelaide after suffering a heart attack more than a week ago.

For those of us who were fortunate to watch the great Australian teams of the 1970s and 1980s, Rod was one of the players who defined that golden era of Australian cricket along with his close friend and fellow West Australian the great fast bowler, Dennis Lillee.

Rod’s fierce loyalty and great sense of pride in representing his State was also key to Western Australia winning seven of its 15 Sheffield Shields during his playing career.

His great sense of humour and openness endeared him to the cricket lovers throughout the world and will be remembered equally alongside what he achieved on the field.

We often hear the phrase about players ‘wanting to give something back’ to their sport. Rod’s career in cricket of more than 50 years as a player, commentator, selector, and coach is a legacy that will long be remembered and difficult to surpass.

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