Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matthew Cooper

Australian great Rod Marsh in 'fight of his life' as heart attack leaves him in induced coma

Australia legend Rod Marsh is in an induced coma and facing the "fight of his life" after suffering a major heart attack.

Marsh was hospitalised after having a heart attack on Thursday and has now been placed in a medically-induced coma.

The 74-year-old, who played a total of 188 matches for Australia across all formats, was in Bundaberg to attend a charity event when he was taken ill.

Marsh's family have now offered an update on his condition, with his son Paul saying his condition remains "critical".

In a statement, he said: "He is currently in the fight of his life and remains in an induced coma in critical condition.

Former Australia cricketer Rod Marsh is in an induced coma after suffering a major heart attack on Thursday (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

"At the moment this is a waiting game and we are unlikely to have any certainty for some time.

"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."

During his illustrious playing career, Marsh scored 3,663 runs and took 355 dismissals in Test matches, as well as 1,225 runs and 124 dismissals in ODI cricket.

Following his retirement, Marsh worked with both England and Australia, becoming director of the ECB's National Academy in 2001 and later joining the selection committee.

After leaving the ECB in 2005, Marsh returned home and joined Australia's selection panel in 2011, eventually becoming their chairman of selectors.

Marsh batting against England during the 1981 Ashes series (Allsport)

Australia's current Test captain Pat Cummins was informed of Marsh's condition after the team arrived in Pakistan for their historic tour of the country.

"We just really feel for the Marsh family and the kids," Cummins said.

"He's a legend of our game and somebody who has done so much for our sport. We obviously wish him the best because it's a really tough situation."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.