Malcolm Marshall

Malcolm Denzil Marshall (April 18, 1958 - November 4, 1999) was a West Indian cricketer, one of the finest fast bowlers ever to have played Test cricket, despite being (unusually for an out-and-out quick, especially when compared to the likes of fellow West Indian quicks Joel Garner, Colin Croft, Courtney Walsh and Curtly Ambrose) under six feet tall. His Test bowling average of 20.94 is the best of anyone who has taken 200 or more wickets.

Early years

Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, Marshall was partly taught cricket by his grandfather, who helped to bring him up after his father was killed in a road accident. His first representative match was a 40-over affair for West Indies Young Cricketers against their English equivalents at Pointe-à-Pierre, Trinidad and Tobago in August 1976. He made nought and his eight overs disappeared for 53 runs: a most inaccurate guide to what would follow a few years later.

Related Topics:
Bridgetown - Barbados - Pointe-à-Pierre - Trinidad and Tobago - 1976

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Mashall's first senior appearance was a Geddes Grant/Harrison Line Trophy (List A) match for Barbados on 13 February 1978; again he made a duck and did not take a wicket. Four days later, he made his first-class debut against Jamaica, and this time the fact that he yet again failed to score was almost irrelevant as he claimed 6-77 in the Jamaican first innings. On the back of this single first-class appearance he was selected to tour India in 1978/79, many first-choice West Indian stars being unavailable having committed themselves to playing World Series Cricket.

Related Topics:
List A - Barbados - 13 February - 1978 - First-class - Jamaica - Innings - India - 79 - World Series Cricket

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