Use of helmet by wicketkeepers should be left to individuals: Rod Marsh

By Bipin Dani

DUBAI (TheSportsNext) August 27, 2012: Rod Marsh, the former Australian wickekeeper and now Australian selector, has been a colourful character. He kept wicket from the start, but batting was his strength. The media was quick to criticise Marsh’s glovework in his early career, dubbing him “Iron Gloves” after he missed a number of catches. Powerfully built, Marsh was regarded as an all rounder for the majority of his career.

 

Coupled with his short stature, his power suited him to the task of keeping wicket. Despite his bulk, which forced him to work heavily on reducing his weight in his early career, he had fast feet movement, combined with fast anticipation and reflexes which allowed him to cover more ground.

Now in UAE as a selector for the visiting Australian team, Rod Marsh believes the world will miss one of the finest wicketkeepers. "It was a freak accident and unlucky for the South African keeper to have his eye injured during last England tour. It was indeed sad and unfortunate for him", he said.

Marsh didn't use helmet during his wicketkeeping days. "No, the use of helmets by the wickekeeper should not be made compulsory. It should be left to the individulas. The player can still get injured even without wearing helmet", he said.

Marsh raised the role of wicketkeeper to a more prominent status in a team with his acrobatic diving, raucous appeals and habit of throwing a ball high into the air upon completing a dismissal. As the wicketkeeper, he made himself the focal point in the field and attempted to extract higher standards of concentration from both himself and his team-mates.

Marsh is a part of the selection committee on the current tour. "The captain, coach and me are the members of the selection committee on this tour. On recommendation on review report, the captain and coach are fulfilling the assignment", he said.

The chairman of the selection committee, John Inverarity and Andy Bichel are unlikely to join team on this tour.

Before being the national selector, Marsh served as a Director in ICC's Global Cricket Academy here.