Cricket legend Rod Marsh ‘in the fight of his life’ after major heart attack

Aussie cricket legend Rod Marsh remains in an induced coma, fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack during the week.

Marsh suffered a heart attack on Friday. Image: Colin Murty/The Australian

Aussie cricket legend Rod Marsh is continuing to fight for his life in a Bundaberg hospital after suffering a major heart attack on Friday.

74-year-old Marsh, widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest ever Test players, is in a critical condition and has been placed in an induced coma.

Marsh’s son Paul released a statement on Sunday that said it could be some time before the family was able to provide further updates on his condition.

“(Marsh) is currently in the fight of his life and remains in an induced coma in critical condition,” Paul Marsh wrote.

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

Paul Marsh said his family had been “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of concern for his father since he suffered his heart attack in Bundaberg on February 25.

Marsh had been in Bundaberg for an event organised by Bulls Masters, a non-profit that works with cricket professionals on charitable causes and to develop interest in the sport in Queensland.

Marsh is one of the most beloved figures in Australian cricket. (AAP Image/David Mariuz)

“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,” Paul Marsh wrote.

Marsh’s son thanked the Australian Cricketers’ Association, the staff at Bundaberg Hospital and the Bulls Masters officials who helped to save his father’s life.

“Dad would not still be here without the bravery and quick thinking of Dave Hillier and John Glanville. We will be eternally grateful to both of them,” Paul Marsh wrote.

“We will provide further updates once we have them and, in the meantime, we ask media to respect our family’s privacy as we focus on helping Dad fight this battle.”

Statement from Paul Marsh on behalf of the Marsh family. pic.twitter.com/LLG93GOn08

— Australian Cricketers' Association (@ACA_Players) February 27, 2022

Marsh represented Australia in 96 Test matches and 92 ODIs between 1970 and 1984.

He scored 3633 Test runs and claimed 343 catches in his illustrious career and since retirement, has contributed to the game he loves as a coach, commentator and national selector.