He had travelled for a charity cricket event in Bundaberg

Marsh, 74, was in Bundaberg for an event for the Bulls Masters charity group. He was reportedly rushed to hospital by Bulls Masters organisers John Glanville and David Hillier.

“John and Dave deserve so much credit because the doctor said if they had waited for an ambulance he would not have made it,” Bulls Masters boss Jimmy Maher told News Corp.

“Rod landed at 10.05am and rang me from the car at about 10.30. He said he could not wait to have a beer with me. Then soon [after] Dave rang me from the car and told me what had happened. It’s devastating.”

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said: “We are very concerned to hear the news about Rod and send him all our best wishes. Our thoughts are with him, his wife Ros and their family and many friends at this difficult time. Rod is one of the most iconic and popular figures in the game and we thank and acknowledge those who are looking after him.”

The Australian Cricketers’ Association said: “The thoughts of everyone within cricket are with the family and many friends of Rod Marsh who is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a heart attack this morning. Rod is an influential figure in Australian cricket and has been so for more than 50 years.

“He was in Bundaberg as part of the Queensland Bulls Masters event and is currently surrounded by some of his former team-mates. He will soon be joined by his family who are making their way to Bundaberg.”

Marsh played 96 Tests for Australia between 1970 and 1984, snaring 355 dismissals behind the stumps. He also previously served as Australia’s men’s chairman of selectors before stepping down in 2016.