Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne lead tributes to Rod Marsh after Australia legend dies aged 74

Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne have paid tribute to Rod Marsh after the Australia legend died at the age of 74.

March, who was inducted to the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009, passed away after suffering a heart attack.

The former wicketkeeper was taken ill last Thursday while travelling to a charity match in Queensland.

Marsh effected 355 dismissals – which was a world record at the time of his retirement – and scored 3,633 runs in 96 Tests between 1970 and 1984.

He also played 92 one-day internationals and is still third on Australia’s all-time dismissals list behind Adam Gilchrist and Ian Healy.

Ponting, who worked with Marsh during his spell as Australia chairman of selectors, said: ‘Devastated, we have lost a legend.

‘Rod Marsh was a great player, a great coach and one of the best people I have ever met. My thoughts are with Ros, Paul, Dan and Jamie.’

<p lang=«en» dir=«ltr» xml:lang=«en»>With great sadness I write this. To wake up & hear that Rod Marsh has left us, is horrible. The time I had with him as my boss in Englands academy, was some of the best times in my career. A caring, intelligent and loving man who did all he could to help everyone! #RIP ð¤

Warne added: ‘Sad to hear the news that Rod Marsh has passed. He was a legend of our great game and an inspiration to so many young boys and girls.

‘Rod cared deeply about cricket and gave so much, especially to Australia and England players. Sending lots and lots of love to Ros and the family. RIP mate.’

The Australia men’s team are currently in Pakistan for a two-match Test series and captain Pat Cummins also paid tribute to Marsh before day one of the opening match in Rawalpindi.

‘I, along with countless other people in Australia, grew up hearing the stories of him as a