Sporting icons : Malcolm Marshall - career highlights & video of this Windies fast bowling legend

 

Malcolm Marshall was born on April 18, 1958. He was a legendary West Indian cricketer known for his incredible speed, accuracy, and ability to generate movement off the pitch. Marshall was a classic right-arm fast bowler who could swing the ball both ways and was renowned for his aggressive and intimidating bowling style.

Malcolm Marshall had a remarkable cricket career filled with numerous highlights. Here are some of the key moments and achievements:

1. **Test Debut**: Marshall made his Test debut for the West Indies against India in December 1978 in Bangalore. He took five wickets in the match, signaling the beginning of a stellar career.

2. **Pace and Accuracy**: Marshall was known for his exceptional pace, often exceeding 90 mph, combined with pinpoint accuracy. His ability to swing the ball both ways at high speed made him one of the most feared bowlers of his era.

3. **West Indies Dominance**: Marshall was a key member of the dominant West Indies cricket team during the 1980s. He played a pivotal role in the team's success, especially in Test cricket.

4. **1984/85 Tour of Australia**: Marshall's performance during the West Indies tour of Australia in 1984/85 is particularly memorable. He took 28 wickets in the series, playing a crucial role in the team's 3-0 series victory.

5. **Fastest to 300 Test Wickets**: Marshall became the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in just 56 matches. His record stood for many years before being surpassed.

6. **Bowling Records**: Marshall's bowling statistics are impressive, with over 376 Test wickets at an average of around 20.94 in 81 tests at an astonishing 46.7 strike rate . In addition to his success in Test cricket, he also had a formidable record in One Day Internationals.

Malcolm Marshall had a relatively modest record in One Day Internationals (ODIs) compared to his exceptional performance in Test cricket. Here are some of his key statistics in ODIs:

- Marshall played 136 ODIs for the West Indies between 1980 and 1992.

- He took a total of 157 wickets in ODIs at an average of around 26.96.

- Marshall's best bowling figures in ODIs were 4 wickets for 18 runs.

- He maintained an economy rate of approximately 3.92 runs per over in ODIs.

- While he was not as prolific in ODIs as he was in Test cricket, Marshall's impact was still significant, especially in crucial matches where his pace and skill could turn the tide in favor of the West Indies.

Marshall's legacy primarily lies in Test cricket, where he established himself as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. Nonetheless, his contributions to limited-overs cricket should not be overlooked, as he remained a valuable asset for the West Indies in the shorter format as well.

In first class cricket Marshall has taken  1651  wickets in 408 matches . In 440 List A matches he has taken 521 wickets . 

Marshall was a more than useful batter in test cricket with 1810 runs at 19 average and he scored 10 fifties with top  score of 92. 

7. **Intimidating Presence*: Marshall's aggressive bowling style and fierce competitiveness made him a daunting opponent for batsmen around the world. He was known for his ability to unsettle even the most accomplished batsmen with his pace and hostility and had a venomously fast and rapid short ball 

8. **Legacy**: Marshall's influence on fast bowling extends beyond his playing days. He is often regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time and has inspired generations of cricketers with his skill and determination.

These highlights only scratch the surface of Malcolm Marshall's illustrious career, but they serve to underscore his status as a true cricketing legend.

In below video  watch some of his special moments .