365 Days Cricket - Malcolm Marshall

365 Days Cricket - Malcolm Marshall

In case Dennis Lillee was the best feared bowler of the 1970s then Malcolm Marshall took over that mantle in the 1980s. He was the best of a set of excellent West Indian fast bowlers. He was short for a fast bowler, but put to use this to his benefit by bowling the ball at a low flight at the batsman’s stumps.

Malcolm Marshall’s success as a bowler is shown by his test bowling average. In test matches a bowling average under 30 is known as excellent: Below 25 and you’re speaking all-time great; Malcolm Marshall’s average was under 21.

Malcolm Marshall’s story has a tragic postscript. In 1999, he died of cancer aged only 41. He may happen to be scary by players but Marshall was also extremely popular.