Former Australia leg-spinner Bob Holland died on Sunday after suffering a brain bleed at the age of 70, the family has confirmed. Bob had represented Australia back in 1984 when he became the third oldest debutant of all time.
Known as Bob ‘Dutchy’ Holland, the leggie was diagnosed with brain cancer back in March this year. However, he died on Sunday in a Newcastle hospital, where he was getting treated after falling and breaking his ribs last week.
The veteran Australian had also attended a special dinner in his honour on Friday night hosted by former Test captain Mark Taylor.
Holland’s son Craig has confirmed the news of his demise to Newcastle Herald on Sunday evening. Bob Holland was a renowned bowler in the domestic circuit, and made his debut for New South Wales at the age of 32. He then went on to make debut for Australia at 38 in 1984.
The only two players who were older than Holland when they made their debuts were 46-year-olds Don Blackie and Bert Ironmonger back in 1928.
“He had the best time of his life on Friday where he spent time with a lot of his mates at his dinner,” son Craig told The Newcastle Herald on Sunday night.
“He showed no pain on the night and stayed till the end of the show. My family were amazed as we thought he might stay an hour or two,” he added. “He went to the grand final of the Newcastle baseball and watched his grandson play in two games.”
“He had a bad night last night and mum decided to take him to the hospital this morning. It was confirmed he had broken a few ribs,” stated Craig.
Holland had played 11 tests and two ODIs for Australia and has also played a crucial role in a couple of test wins at SCG when he managed ten-wicket hauls. He also managed to take an impressive 316 first-class wickets despite making his debut at the age of 32. Craig said his father “quickly and peacefully passed away” after suffering the brain bleed.
“My family are humbled by and appreciate the support of the community and his friends for their support in the past and recent difficult times,” he said.
Holland is a very popular figure in the cricketing world especially in Australia for his exemplary efforts after making debut at such an old age. All in all, he managed to play in 95 first-class games, and had played well into his 40s making him one of the iconic figures in Australian cricket.
“They’ve always respected him, not just the guys he played with but the guys he played against, whether it was for the Australian team or the NSW team,” McCosker said at a function where his friend was presented with life membership of the Hunter branch of The Lord’s Taverners Australia.