HAMPSHIRE captain Robin Smith spoke of the "devastating news" that his former team-mate and club coach Malcolm Marshall had undergone cancer surgery.

Marshall underwent surgery in Birmingham's Priory Hospital at the weekend after tests confirmed a tumour on his colon.

The man once feared as the world's greatest fast bowler will begin a course of chemotherapy at Birmingham University Hopsital later this week, but Smith summed up the feeling in the Hampshire camp when he said: "It was devastating news." Hampshire players were shattered by the news surrounding the coach they all know as 'Macko' and who commands enormous respect for what he has done in the game.

Smith said the news was even more of a surprising blow considering Marshall's supreme fitness as a player which enabled him to bowl long spells at top speed.

"I was always under the impression that Macko looked after his body throughout his wonderful career.

"He stayed supremely fit and always watched his weight and what he ate.

"I'm really upset for the guy, as is everybody connected with the club, he really doesn't deserve this.

Marshall was due to report back to his coaching role at the county he served for 15 years as a player when the West Indies interest in the World Cup ended.

That happened yesterday as they went out to New Zealand's superior run rate.

Even Hampshire have discovered that information from the close-lipped Priory hospital is on a drip-feed, with the West Indies' cricket board having more access to up-to-date facts.

Hampshire physiotherapist David Newman is due to visit Marshall today, and Smith said: "I'm not sure what Macko's situation is but we're looking forward to having him back.

"He's due to return now the West Indies are out of the competition and we'll be delighted to see him, even if he wants to take it gently.

"He's missed and loved by all the boys, and we've sent him faxes and cards. I'm sure that if he stays confident and positive he will come through."

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