Picture Credit: Twitter
Former Australia wicketkeeper Rod Marsh has been rushed to the hospital after suffering a heart attack in a charity event in Queensland. The 74-year-old was in Bundaberg and was attending an event for the Bulls Masters charity group before he was reportedly rushed to hospital by the event organisers John Glanville and David Hillier.
A spokesperson confirmed the admission of Marsh to the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service. “A 74-year-old male presented to Bundaberg Hospital with cardiac symptoms, and is currently in a critical condition,” said the official in a statement to ABC news. Reports from the Australian Associated Press also suggest that former Australia captain Allan Border and former head coach Darren Lehman are at the hospital waiting for Marsh’s family from Adelaide.
The Australian Cricketer’s association also tweeted a heartfelt message addressing Marsh and his family. The tweet said, “The thoughts of everyone within cricket are with the family and many friends of Rod Marsh who is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack this morning. Rod is an influential figure in Australian cricket and has been so for more than 50 years.”
Western Australia Cricket Association (WACA) CEO Christina Matthews sent out a statement expressing their support towards Rod Marsh and his family. The message said, “We’re deeply concerned to hear of Rod Marsh’s medical emergency after suffering a major heart attack. On behalf of WA Cricket staff and players, and the wider cricket community, I would like to pass on our heartfelt thoughts to Rod and his family. He’s a much-loved husband and father – and remains one of the wicket-keeping greats of our game. We hope he’s able to make a full and speedy recovery.”
Former England all-rounder and Ashes rival Ian Botham also tweeted out a heartfelt message for Marsh saying, “Wishing Rod (Bacchus) Marsh our best wishes he’s won bigger battles…!!”
Rod Marsh has been one of the best wicketkeepers in cricketing history with 355 dismissals from 96 Tests between 1970 and 1984. He also was the Australian chairman of selectors before stepping down in 2016.
