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.

Illness and death

In 1996 Marshall became coach both of Hampshire and West Indies, although the latter's steadily declining standard during this period led to a considerable amount of criticism coming his way. All this was forgotten in 1999, however, as during the World Cup the shocking news broke that he had colon cancer. He immediately left his coaching job to begin treatment, but this was ultimately unsuccessful and he returned to his home town, where he died on 4 November aged just 41.

Related Topics:
1996 - 1999 - Colon cancer - 4 November

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The cricketing world was shocked by Marshall's death, and a Malcolm Marshall Memorial Trophy was inaugurated, to be awarded to the leading wicket-taker in each England v West Indies Test series. Another trophy with the same name was set up to be the prize in an annual game between Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

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