Former Australian leg-spinner Bob Holland died at the age of 70 due to brain cancer on Sunday. Holland played 11 Tests for Australia picking 34 wickets in a career which began late at the age of 38. Holland was the oldest player for Australia in over 50 years to a make a Test debut. Holland suffered a brain bleed in the hospital where he was being treated for broken ribs.
Holland played his 95 first-class matches for New South Wales and Wellington picking up 316 wickets in a career spanning for 25 years. Holland who was nicknamed “Dutchy” made his international debut at 38 against West Indies at the Gabba in 1984. However, he was dropped from the squad after first two Tests due to poor performance. He then went back and played for New South Wales, helping NSW register a win in the tour match. He was then recalled in the fifth Test where he finished with a match-winning figures of 10/144. This performance helped the Australian team register a massive victory by an innings over a dominant Windies team.
Holland attended a reception in his honor on Friday. His son Craig Holland said:
“He had the best time of his life on Friday where he spent time with a lot of his mates at his dinner, 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 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 hospital this morning. It was confirmed he had broken a few ribs.”
New South Wales Chief Executive Andrew Jones also expressed his condolence to Holland’s family. He said,
“Bob’s death is a sad loss for Newcastle, NSW and Australian cricket, He was an inspiration as a player, not only because of his skills but also his persistence. He was first picked for NSW at the age of 32 and became a cult hero during the mid `80s when chosen for Australia at the age of 38.”