WICB President Patrick Rousseau, Mr. Tim Lamb Executive Officer of the ECB and Mrs. Connie Marshall with the Marshall Memorial Trophy Photo © WICB Malcolm Marshall's wife Connie talks to Kate Laven about the new Malcolm Marshall Memorial Trophy

One of the most revered fast bowlers of all time was remembered in glowing terms today as a trophy, bearing his name, was unveiled at the home of cricket, Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

The Malcolm Marshall Memorial Trophy was unveiled in the England and Wales Cricket Board Offices, witnessed by a cross-section of the cricketing fraternity and the late West Indies fast bowler's widow, Connie, and son, Mali. Mrs. Marshall was given the honour of unveiling the 14-inch bronze statuette.

"I know Malcolm must be smiling down on us today. He always took pride in his achievements and, even though he was quite modest, it would please him to be honoured in this manner," said Mrs. Marshall in a brief speech.

President of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Mr. Pat Rousseau, told the gathering that Marshall, who died of colon cancer last November, "was an outstanding servant of West Indies cricket who inspired us all by the professionalism and dedication he showed to his craft and by the many great battles he won for the West Indies".

He said the WICB hopes its decision to salute the Barbadian in this manner "will not only perpetuate his memory but more importantly inspire young bowlers to strive for the heights which Malcolm Marshall reached during his career."

Tim Lamb, ECB Chief Executive said: "Malcolm was not only a wonderful bowler but he was a great ambassador for the West Indies and cricket in general. We are honoured to be able to endorse this unique trophy and glad his memory will live on forever in future West Indies versus England Test Match Series.

"It is a fitting tribute to a superb cricketer – whoever wins this trophy will know that he has followed in the footsteps of one of the best fast bowlers of all time."

President of the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA), Mr. Stephen Alleyne, paid tribute to Marshall and there was also a short video presentation on the late cricketer' who holds the record for the most wickets (35 in 1988; England) in a West Indies-England five-Test series.

The Malcolm Marshall Memorial Trophy, which will be awarded to the top bowler in each West Indies-England series, will be presented at the conclusion of the fifth and final Test of the ongoing series between these teams. This match starts Thursday (August 31) at the Oval in London. There will also be a cash award of US$2 000 for the most successful bowler. Should Marshall's record be broken, the new record-holder will receive US$50 000.

The statuette was created by English sculptor, Neale Andrew with a base made by Barbadian sculptor Grafton Woodpecker.

© ECB