Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh’s legacy to be honoured with wicket-keeping high performance centre

WA cricket legend Rod Marsh is to be honoured with a new high-performance program aimed at developing the State’s future wicket-keeping greats. Marsh, who died after suffering a heart attack in Bundaberg on February 24, became a global icon of the game for his brilliant feats behind the stumps in 96 Test matches for Australia. The specialist wicket-keeper program will be supported by the WACA and the State Government, which will on Wednesday confirm an initial $100,000 funding package. The program will be open to talented cricketers aged between 15 and 19 and Marsh’s wife Ros told The West Australian that she had a simple message in response to the tribute, ahead of the first Test between Australia and the West Indies at Optus Stadium on Wednesday. “Thank you,” Mrs Marsh said on behalf of her family. “We are very grateful that a part of Rod’s legacy will be celebrated in way that will be helping young cricketers. It was his greatest pleasure watching young players enjoy the game and developing their skills - especially wicketkeeping skills.” The program will offer expert coaching and support and will compliment the WACA’s existing specialist pathway programs. Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman said honouring Marsh was fitting because of his vast contribution to the game. “Rod Marsh was one of our country’s most iconic cricketers, setting a world record 355 test match dismissals in a golden era of cricket,” Mr Templeman said. “What better way to honour one of our State’s sporting greats than with a high-performance coaching program that will support and nurture the talent of our rising wicket keeping stars. I have spoken to Ros Marsh and she is delighted that her husband’s legacy will live on through WA’s next generation of top wicket keepers.” Acting WACA chief executive Justin Michael said it was an “honour” to launch the program to help “foster the next generation of talent and continue the legacy of one of the greatest wicket-keepers the world has seen”. “Rod Marsh is an icon of cricket in WA who had a knack for identifying future stars of the game, so this program is a fitting tribute to his outstanding contribution to cricket,” Mr Michael said. The McGowan Government is also in talks with the WACA about also honouring Marsh in future Sheffield Shield matches WA and South Australia, his long time adopted home at the time of his death.