Former Australian cricket star Dennis Lillee led the tributes to Rod Marsh at the legendary wicketkeeper’s funeral on Thursday.
Marsh died earlier in March aged 74 after suffering a heart attack. He effected 355 dismissals - a world record at the time he decided to retire - in 96 Test appearances for Australia from 1970 to 1984. He also secured three centuries at Test level in the process.
He forged a record partnership with Lillee, with the duo accounting for 95 dismissals in Test cricket - the most between a wicketkeeper and fast bowler. The pair retired simultaneously in 1984 alongside former captain Greg Chappell.
“His cricket ability has been very well documented - it’s the person Rod Marsh that I loved,” Lillee said at Marsh’s funeral. “It’s taken me days to be able to write my thoughts down on this amazing bloke.
“People often ask me if I missed playing - my answer was no, I don't, but I do miss my team-mates of 14, 15 years. Gradually our friendship blossomed.
“I miss my mate and will keep remembering the good times. He was a one-off.”
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More than 800 people attended Marsh’s funeral at the Adelaide Oval, with former teammates John Inverarity and Bruce Laird also speaking. Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who previously described Marsh as his ‘idol and hero’, submitted a recorded message which was played to mourners.
Marsh endured a difficult start to his Test career and was even nicknamed 'Iron Gloves' during his first series against England in 1970-71 after dropping several catches. But during that Ashes series, Marsh made an unbeaten 92 in Melbourne and was closing in on a maiden century before captain Bill Lawry declared.
Marsh would become the first Australian wicketkeeper to score a Test century when he starred against England in the 1977 Centenary Test. He also became the first keeper to claim 100 dismissals in Ashes Tests on the 1981 tour of England.
Upon retiring, Marsh commentated on Australian TV networks before coaching at the Australian National Academy. He undertook a similar role with the England and Wales Cricket Board and was a selector for the men’s team from 2001 to 2005.
Marsh also served as the Australian chairman of selectors from 2014 to 2016, but resigned after Australia were crushed by South Africa at home.
