On this day, the 25 May, 1916, Jack Marsh, the Australian first-class cricketer of Aboriginal descent was killed in a brawl.
Born into the Bundjaling people people at Yulgilbar, New South Wales, details of Marsh’s pre-cricket life are scarce, because Aborigines were not included on the electoral roll, and there were no copies of written correspondence because he was illiterate. His surname possibly derives from that of a property owner of that name
He first made an impression as a professional runner, winning races as a sprinter and a hurdler. Jack also gained prominence demonstrating his boomerang throwing skill, when he was spotted by cricket officials and persuaded to take up the sport.
A right-arm fast bowler, Marsh was regarded as one of the outstanding talents of his era. Although his career was marred by controversy regarding the legality of his bowling action. As a result he never truly established himself and was overlooked for national honours. Often been attributed to racial discrimination.
It was not until November, 1900 that Marsh came to cricketing prominence, in a trial match against New South Wales, when he collected the wickets of Test batsmen Victor Trumper, widely regarded as the most stylish batsmen of all time, Frank Iredale, and the future Test player Bert Hopkins.
There were numerous calls for Marsh to be selected for Australia, but the selectors rejected him, as well as the touring England cricket team also raised an objection to his selection, citing his controversial action.
Marsh ended his cricket career in 1905, and for a while resumed life as a professional sprinter, after which his activities are unclear, but it is likely he became an itinerant worker.
Marsh eventually turned to drink, and in 1909 was jailed for 14 days in Melbourne for assault. He was killed in a brawl on 25 May 1916, outside the pool room of the Royal Hotel in Orange, New South Wales, aged 42. Two men were charged with manslaughter but were later acquitted.
Marsh was buried in an unmarked grave.
25 March, 2019