Three legendary Australian cricketers passed away in 2022. One died of a heart attack while vacationing, another succumbed to a heart attack after a medical emergency, and the third tragically lost his life in a car accident. Each left a lasting impact on Australian cricket with their remarkable careers.
1. Shane Warne
Shane Warne, the legendary Australian cricketer, was found dead in his villa at Koh Samui, Thailand, on March 4, 2022, at the age of 52. His death was suspected to be from a heart attack while vacationing. Warne made significant contributions to Test cricket, taking 708 wickets in 145 matches, second only to Muttiah Muralitharan. He also scored over 3000 runs, becoming the only cricketer to do so without a century. In ODIs, he took 293 wickets across 194 matches and played a crucial role in Australia’s 1999 World Cup victory. Warne was the second bowler to surpass 1000 international wickets after Muralitharan.
2. Rodney Marsh
Former Australian cricketer Rod Marsh passed away on March 4, 2022, at the age of 74 after suffering a heart attack and falling into a coma. Making his international debut in 1970, Marsh was renowned for his work as a wicketkeeper, national selector, and coach. He had an impressive first-class record, scoring 11,067 runs in 257 matches at an average of 31.17. In international cricket, he scored 3,633 runs in 96 Tests at an average of 26.51, and 1,225 runs in 92 ODIs at an average of 20.08. Marsh, alongside Dennis Lillee, formed a legendary partnership, contributing to 95 dismissals.
3. Andrew Symonds
Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds tragically passed away in a car accident in Townsville on May 15. Known for being one of the few all-rounders with an average of over 40 in all formats of cricket, Symonds had a distinguished 11-year international career. He made significant contributions in both domestic and international cricket, becoming a key player in Australia’s 2003 and 2007 World Cup victories. Symonds debuted for Australia in 2004 against Sri Lanka and played 238 matches, scoring 6,887 runs, including eight centuries and 42 half-centuries.
