Son of legendary West Indian paceman Marshall joins Seaton as overseas player | 'We were looking for a quick bowler who could bat and Mali was recommended to us by an agent' – Ben Morgan

SEATON are poised to parade West Indian quick bowler Mali Marshall for the first time when they visit Tavistock on Saturday.

Mali is the 31-year-old son of the late Malcolm Marshall, who was one of the battery of West Indian fast bowlers who terrorised opposing batsman throughout the 1980s.

Marshall senior took 376 Test match wickets and a further 157 for the West Indies in one-day cricket. He died of cancer aged 41 in November 1999.

Ben Morgan, the Seaton captain, said he had no idea Mali was the son of a famous father until after he had been signed.

“We were looking for a quick bowler who could bat and Mali was recommended to us by an agent,” said Morgan.

“It was only later we found out that Mali’s father was Malcolm Marshall. He has been self-isolating since he arrived and should play against Tavistock on Saturday.”

Mali lives in Barbados and turns out for the Young Men’s Progressive Club, where West Indian stars Fidel Edwards and Dwayne Smith have also played. He has been used as a net bowler by the West Indies at practice sessions.

Although he has never played for a club in the UK, Mali is no stranger to these shores.

“Malcolm Marshall played for Hampshire for years and Mali lived in Southampton while he was growing up until around the age of 10,” said Morgan.

Mali was back in the UK more recently to play a supporting role in a Bollywood film due to be released next month.

“The film is called ‘83’ and is a biopic of the 1983 World Cup, which Indian won,” said Morgan.

“The movie makers hired real cricketers to play real cricketers, including the sons of some of the players who played in the World Cup. Mali actually plays his own father.”

Marshall is one of two Devon League cricketers in the film. Abbotskerswell’s Ian Jarman plays England wicketkeeper Ian Gould. The film is due for release on June 4.