GREAT OZZIE KEEPER DIES AGED 76

Australian cricket in mourning after one of its greatest players and most influential figures passed away following a heart attack last week
By Martin Smith
Updated Mar. 04, 2022 02:44 PM
Caught Marsh, bowled Lillee! A classic Aussie pairing
Former Test and ODI wicketkeeper-batter Rod Marsh has been remembered as "a colossal figure in Australian cricket" after he passed away at the age of 74.
Marsh suffered a heart attack in Queensland last week and died in an Adelaide hospital on Friday morning.
He is survived by his wife Ros and children Paul, Dan and Jamie.
Honoured with Dennis Lillee at the MCG in 2017-18 // GettyOne of Test cricket's greatest-ever wicketkeepers and a dashing left-handed batter, Marsh played 96 Tests for Australia between 1970 and 1984, snaring 355 dismissals – a world record at the time – and posting three Test hundreds.
His partnership with legendary fast bowler Dennis Lillee is the most prolific bowler-wicketkeeper union in Test history, with 'caught Marsh, bowled Lillee' recorded 95 times. Having retired together in 1984, their record still stands today.
A hugely popular member of Australia's successful side of the 1970s, Marsh was a household name alongside the likes of Lillee, Jeff Thomson and the Chappell brothers.
His contribution to the game continued after he retired from playing, starting with a fruitful stint at the head of the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide, where he worked with the likes of Ricky Ponting and helped usher in a dominant era of Australian cricket.
Marsh, Chappell and Lillee retired after the 1984 Sydney Test // GettyHe then moved to England to head up their academy before becoming a national selector, resigning just after the old enemy's famous Ashes triumph in 2005.
He went on to head up Australia's selection panel between 2014 and 2016.
Marsh is a member of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, Sport Australia's Hall of Fame and the ICC Hall of Fame and he also received the Order of the British Empire in 1981 for his services to sport.
Former Test wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said he was "absolutely shattered" when he heard the news.
Rod Marsh slams 26 off an over in classic ODI
"I can't quite believe it, I just thought he was invincible," Gilchrist, who equalled Marsh in playing 96 Tests, told SEN.
"He was my absolute hero and inspiration to all I set out to achieve and have a crack at. It really was him; he was just an idol, he helped me pursue what I wanted to do.
"To have him come into my life and have such a profound impact on my sporting life and then personal life as a mate - I still can't believe that he was in my group of friends, in my friendship circle.
"I can't believe it. He seemed unreal, one of those guys that was on TV. They just didn't seem like they were real people, like superheroes.
Marsh is recognised as one of the greatest players in Australia history // Getty"It's going to be an emotional time and a rollercoaster as we reflect on what he meant, and think about his family, Ros, Jamie, Paul, Dan and the extended family.
"They lose such a wonderful father, husband, grandfather, all of those sorts of titles. They lose an icon and the nation will mourn with them.
"It's certainly a rollercoaster, then we'll reflect on the good, fun stuff. He was such a rogue."