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Former Australian wicket-keeper Rod Marsh has died, aged 74, after being put in an induced coma following a heart attack.
After Marsh was rushed to hospital in Queensland last week, his family released a statement, providing an update on his condition.
“He is currently in the fight of his life and remains in an induced coma in critical condition. At the moment this is a waiting game and we are unlikely to have any certainty for some time,” said son Paul Marsh in a statement.
“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. We have listened to and read every one of them and we are incredibly grateful to everyone.”
Marsh’s son made special mention of Queensland Bulls Masters organisers who acted quickly to get the 74-year-old to hospital in Bundaberg.
“Dad would not still be here without the bravery and quick thinking of Dave Hillier and John Glanville. We will be eternally grateful to both of them,” he added.
“We also want to thank the Bulls Masters team, and in particular Jimmy Maher, Darren Lehmann. Ian Healy and Allan Border, whose love and care for our family has been extraordinary.
“The team at the Australian Cricketers’ Association have also been incredible and we’d like to thank Todd Greenberg, Kelly Applebee and Justine Whipper for their support.
“We’d also like to thank the ICU team at Bundaberg Hospital for their outstanding care and support.”
Cricket Tasmania, whom son Dan captained to their first Sheffield Shield win, released a statement shortly after the news of passing of Marsh was confirmed.
“Cricket Tasmania is 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.
“Our thoughts are with Dan and the rest of the Marsh family at this very sad time. Dan has been a valued member of the Tasmanian cricket family for many years now, and as an integral member of the Cricket Tasmania staff, we are hurting with him.”
The Western Australian, nicknamed “Bacchus”, featured in 96 Tests for Australia in the seventies and eighties, claiming 355 dismissals, while scoring 3633 runs at 26.51.
Marsh served as chair of selectors for the men’s national team before stepping down in 2016.
