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The Caribbean provided us with some incredible fast bowlers in the 1970s and 1980s who frightened batsmen all over the world. It would be like trying to outrun a hurricane to face bowlers like Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, and Malcolm Marshall.
Malcolm Marshall had a remarkable average of just 20.94 runs per wicket while taking 376 wickets in Test matches. That is comparable to receiving a large box of chocolates for a low cost! And only a select few bowlers, including Waqar Younis and Dale Steyn, were more effective at taking wickets as quickly as he did.
Malcolm Marshall's devotion to fast bowling was what made him so unique. He worked hard to be the best; he didn't just rely on his speed. He even used to walk around with weights on his legs in the beginning to build up his legs' strength!
Marshall had a distinctive bowling style. He ran obliquely up to the crease before launching his deliveries with a strong chest-on action. His deliveries were difficult for batsmen to handle because they didn't bounce high but instead skidded across the surface.
After facing Malcolm Marshall, batsmen had many tales to share. A brutal blow to the head caused Andy Lloyd's Test career to end. In a one-day match, Mike Gatting experienced a ball strike that was so intense that pieces of his nose got lodged in the ball before it hit the stumps.
Malcolm Marshall was a master of swing bowling in addition to relying on speed. For the batsmen, he could make the ball move while it was in the air. He was like a magician who pulled off an impossible trick.
Malcolm Marshall was a pleasant person away from the cricket pitch. He delighted in imparting his knowledge of cricket to young players. Even future stars like Shawn Pollock and Lance Klusener received his coaching to help them develop as players.
After his playing career came to an end in 1992, Marshall went on to become a coach. But because the players didn't always pay attention to him, his time as a coach was difficult. He had to stop coaching because he was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1999. Sadly, he lost to this formidable opponent and died at the age of only 41.
Malcolm Marshall has passed away, but his legend endures. He serves as an example of what perseverance and hard work can accomplish for all cricket enthusiasts. He serves as a reminder that sometimes the smallest package can pack a powerful punch. Malcolm Marshall will always be regarded as a cricketing legend who bowled as quickly as the wind and left a lasting impression on the sport we all love.
FAQs
Who was Malcolm Marshall and why was he famous in cricket?
Malcolm Marshall was a famous fast bowler in cricket. He was known for being really, really good at making the cricket ball move fast and in tricky ways.
How did he get so good at bowling?
Malcolm Marshall became amazing at bowling because he practiced a lot and even used weights to make his legs stronger.
Can you tell a cool story about him bowling?
Sure! One time, he bowled the ball so fast that it hit a batsman's nose and then knocked down the stumps (those sticks behind the batsman).
What did he do besides playing cricket?
Off the field, Malcolm Marshall helped teach young players how to play better cricket. He showed them that hard work and practice are super important to become great at the game.
