Cricket legend Rod Marsh farewelled by sporting royalty
The sporting world has farewelled cricketing legend Rod Marsh at a private funeral at Adelaide Oval. This follows the talented wicketkeeper's death from a heart attack.
Marsh, aged 74, was rushed to hospital after he had suffered a massive heart attack while visiting Bundaberg in Queensland for a cricket charity event before passing away on the 4th of March.
Fellow cricketing legend Dennis Lillee spoke about his former teammate during the ceremony for the first time since Marsh's death.
'I still can't believe our mate, and mate to many, is not around anymore,' Lillee began.
'It's taken me days to be able to write my thoughts down on his amazing bloke. I don't want to talk about his cricket ability, that's been very well documented.
'It's the person Rod Marsh that I love.'
Lillee was joined on the during the service by teammates John Inverarity and Bruce Laird, who all shared memories of Marsh and paid their respects.
The renowned bowler started his speech by recalling a significant memory he shared with Marsh during their cricket-playing days where the pair drank a soft drink and beer respectively.
He later added: 'People often ask me if I missed playing - my answer was no, I don't, but I do miss my teammates of 14, 15 years.
'Again, I miss my mate, and will keep remembering the good times. He was a one off, let's all celebrate a life well lived.'
Marsh's funeral saw more than 800 people in attendance, with cricket icons including Allan Border, Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer, Shane Watson, and Glenn McGrath were spotted in attendance.
TV personality and former first-class cricketer James Brayshaw hosted the service. He opened the ceremony by speaking about the cricketer's life, family and career.
'We are here to celebrate, to respect the passing of a great man,' he stated.
Graham often choked up during his speech as he paid tribute to his brother.
'I always remember my brother Rod for his devotion, loyalty, love for his family and friends.'
Following on from his brother's speech, fellow wicketkeeping great Adam Gilchrist narrated a mini-documentary on Marsh's life that played out for attendees on the projector screen at the funeral.
Rod Marsh's oldest son Paul eventually took to the stage to speak about his father.
'Words could never do justice to how much respect, gratitude, and appreciation I have for what Rod did for me and taught me about cricket and, more importantly, about life,' he said.
'It's been an incredibly tough and emotional few weeks for our family, but as we got today's celebration of Dad's life, the two overriding emotions I have for him are pride and gratitude.'
Paul Marsh later said: 'I'm incredibly grateful for the example he set for all of us to learn from. He was a fantastic father and grandfather, and Mum could not wish for a better husband.'
He then thanked the cricket community, his father's former teammates and close friends for their support and kind words during the difficult time.
The crimson-coloured coffin was decorated with flowers on top. Framed pictures of the cricketer and the teams he played with were placed on the stand behind the coffin.
Marsh's cricket shirt and blazer with the number 7 emblazoned on the back were spotted off to the side next to a candle with the Cricket Australia logo, while a Fremantle Dockers scarf - the AFL team he barracked for - hung off a marble column in the background.
The family also thanked staff at Bundaberg Hospital, the Australian Cricketers' Association and Queensland Bulls Masters officials for keeping him alive.
Marsh's death coincided with Australia's first Test against Pakistan. Players wore black armbands in the legend's honour.
Images: Getty