On 4 March 2022, Australia lost a cricket legend.
Rod Marsh was an iconic Western Australian who grew up in the foothills of Armadale and went on to become one of Australia’s most recognisable and respected cricket players. Marsh played 96 Tests for Australia and retired with a then world record 355 dismissals.
Marsh is remembered for his acrobatic and athletic wicketkeeping and belligerent batting, including the first Test century by an Australian wicketkeeper – 118 versus Pakistan in 1972/73. However, it was his remarkable partnership with another champion WA cricketer, Dennis Lillee, that lives on in the memories of all who followed cricket throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. The combination of “Caught Marsh, bowled Lillee!” appeared 95 times in Tests during this period and both players retired from Test cricket on the same day and with the same number of dismissals.
Respected for his combination of concentration, athleticism and skilled glovework, Marsh earned enormous respect and admiration, and left a lasting legacy on WA and Australian cricket. After his playing career Marsh would become a well-regarded coach, heading up the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide, and contributing to the renaissance of the old enemy, England, as coach of the men’s national side (during which time he helped England regain the Ashes in 2005).
The WA Museum Boola Bardip is honoured to have Marsh’s ‘cut-off’ wicketkeeping pads from the 1980s on display in the Reflections gallery. The pads sit next to his team-mate, and friend, Dennis Lillee’s boots.
The Reflections gallery highlights Western Australian people and stories, and the unique experiences and perspectives that have shaped this State’s identity and sense of place. Cricket has been integral in the construction of WA sporting identity. It has been important to this wider story and Rod Marsh was a significant contributor through his exploits on and off the field. The display of his wicketkeeping pads connects us to this time and to his contributions to the game.
Ross Chadwick, A/Head of Anthropology and Archaeology, reflects on Marsh and his inclusion in the Museum exhibitions.
“Anyone who watched cricket in the 1970s will understand the impact that Marsh had on Australian cricket. He was part of a golden era of Western Australian and Australian cricket, with his cut-off keeping pads and combative style, he changed the way the game was played. When we were creating the Sporting Foundation display for the Reflections gallery, Marsh, together with Lillee, were top of the list of inclusions,” Dr Ross Chadwick said.
Family and friends of Rod Marsh said their farewells on Thursday 17 March in South Australia, where he recently resided. His funeral was held at Adelaide Oval with a live stream for interstate and international friends to watch and pay their respects.
A State Memorial Service has been formally offered to commemorate the WA cricket legend’s life and career. If accepted, the service is expected take place next month.
The cricketing community, and indeed all Australians, also felt another loss less than 24 hours after the passing of Marsh, with news of Shane Warne’s untimely death.
Although Australia has seen the loss of two cricketing figures within a very short span, their contributions to the sport have left an impressive mark in cricketing history.
