Rod Marsh, a legend in Australian cricket, has passed away at the age of 75.

Just one week after suffering a heart attack, tributes pour in for the ex-wicketkeeper and England selector.

Marsh was in critical condition in Bundaberg in Queensland and died on Friday morning in Adelaide, South Australia.

Marsh played 96 Test matches for Australia, and he finished his career with a record 355 dismissals.

In an international career that ran from 1970 to 1984, he made another 92 white-ball cricket appearances for his country.

Marsh's son Paul confirmed his death, saying in a statement that "On behalf my mother Ros, and brothers Dan, and Jamie, it is an immense sadness that we advise that my father Rod died peacefully this morning."

"He was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. We are so grateful to have him in our lives."

Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins led a chorus paying tribute to Marsh, calling him "colossal" in Australian cricket.

In a statement released today by Cricket Australia (CA), he said that despite being a tough and fearless cricketer growing up, his heroic batting and brilliance behind stumps over a decade made him one the most important players in our sport.

Rod was a generous, larger-than life character. He had a positive, relaxed outlook and a love for life. His passing has left a huge void in Australian cricket.

Scott Morrison, the Australian Prime Minister, called Marsh a "fierce rival and a fine sportman".

On Twitter, he wrote: "Very saddened to hear about Rod Marsh's passing. He was my favorite player as a child.

"He was part in one of the most exciting periods in Australian and international cricket.

"He will be remembered for being one of Australia's greatest Test cricket players."

"He was a strong competitor, a fine sportsman, and valued the game.

"Rod Marsh, a proud Western Australian and an absolute Aussie icon was born.

"My deepest sympathy goes to his wife Ros, and his children Dan, Jamie and Paul."

"TREMENDOUSLY SAD" DAY

Dr Lachlan Henderson, chairman of CA, said that it was a very sad day for Australian cricket as well as for Rod Marsh's fans.

"Rod will always be remembered for his passion for the game and the joy he brought to the crowds when he was a part of great Australian teams. The iconic inscription 'Caught Marsh bowled Lillee' is a hallmark of our game.

"Rod also made a huge contribution to the game by coaching, mentoring and identifying future cricket stars through his roles as coach and director of cricket academies across Australia and other cricket-playing nations.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Rod's spouse Ros, his sons Dan, Jamie, and his extended Marsh family. He also shared special memories with many of his friends and colleagues.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the owner of Lord's, released a statement via Twitter: "MCC is deeply disturbed to learn of Rod Marsh's passing. He was an Honorary Life Member, and a former member of World Cricket committee.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Marsh's last Test was against Pakistan in Sydney, January 1984. This match also saw Greg Chappell & Dennis Lillee bow out. The scorecard showed the familiar refrain "caught Marsh", which was the 95th and final time.

CRICKET LEGEND

Marsh was born in Perth's suburbs in November 1947. He was the younger brother to Graham Marsh, who went on to become a professional golfer, winning 10 European Tour victories.

Both had represented Western Australia as schoolboy cricket players, but Rodney rose up the ranks and made his first-class debut in WA against the West Indies in 1968.

After dropping a series catching runs during the 1970-71 Ashes series, his international career was hampered.

Marsh was selected on the basis his batting and became the first Australian wicketkeeper to score a century against Pakistan in Adelaide, 1972. His glovework also improved rapidly.

He scored 3,633 runs, including three centuries and sixteen fifties. He also took 343 catches and 12 stumpings during 96 Tests.

Marsh, after a brief stint in commentary, became the head coach at the Australian Cricket Academy in 1990. He helped develop players like Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath.

He was then lured to England as the head of the national academy, and then as the England selector between 2003 and 2005. This helped secure the Ashes victory against the great talents he had fostered for his homeland.