Malcolm Marshall: Profile of the Barbadian Fast-Bowling Great
A profile of Malcolm Marshall, the Barbadian fast bowler who took 376 Test wickets and was a cornerstone of the great West Indies sides of the 1980s.
Malcolm Marshall is widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers in the history of cricket. Born in Bridgetown, Barbados, in 1958, he was relatively short for a fast bowler, but he combined genuine pace with a precise command of swing, seam and bounce, and he took wickets on almost every kind of surface.
Early life and rise
Marshall played for Barbados and made his Test debut for West Indies in 1978. He became a regular in the side in the early 1980s, joining a bowling attack that also included Michael Holding, Joel Garner and Colin Croft at various times. He also played for Hampshire in English county cricket for many seasons, and had a spell with Natal in South Africa.
Bowling style
Marshall had a short, fast run-up and a whippy action that generated surprising speed. He was skilful with the new ball and equally effective with the old one, and he developed variations, including a skiddy delivery that went on with the arm and a late inswinger. Batters often struggled to pick up his length because of his low release point and the speed he extracted from the pitch.
Career highlights
In 81 Tests he took 376 wickets at an average of just under 21, a remarkable record for a fast bowler. In 1984 at Headingley he broke a bone in his hand, yet came out to bat one-handed and then took seven wickets in the second innings as West Indies won. Against England at Old Trafford in 1988 he took 7 for 22, one of the best bowling spells of his career. His Test career ended in 1991.
Later life and legacy
After retiring as a player, Marshall served as a coach, including with the West Indies team and with Hampshire. He died in November 1999 at the age of 41, after being diagnosed with cancer, and his death was mourned across the cricketing world. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010, and remains a benchmark for fast bowlers of every generation.
Frequently asked questions
How many Test wickets did Malcolm Marshall take?
Marshall took 376 wickets in 81 Tests for West Indies, at an average of just under 21.
Which county did Malcolm Marshall play for?
He played for Hampshire in English county cricket.
When did Malcolm Marshall die?
He died in November 1999, aged 41, after an illness.