The man affectionately known as 'Dutchy' passes away after battle with brain cancer
Ex-Test spinner Bob Holland dies, aged 70
Former Test spinner Bob Holland has died at the age of 70 after a battle with brain cancer.
Holland, who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour in March, had attended a fundraising evening in his honour on Friday night in Newcastle held by former Test captain Mark Taylor.
The NSW leg-spinner, who played 11 Tests between 1984 and 1986, had reportedly suffered a fall last week and passed away on Sunday afternoon while being treated in hospital.
It was great to see him with a smile on his face with his mates on Friday night. A shattering day for his family & friends! #RIPDutchy https://t.co/wHKfYXEeU2%E2%80%94 Paul Wilson (@blockerwilson) September 17, 2017
"He had the best time of his life on Friday where he spent time with a lot of his mates at his dinner,” Holland's son, Craig, told the Newcastle Herald.
"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.
"We knew this day would was coming, but we thought considering how well he had been we had more time.
"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."
A real gentleman. Remember him bowling out the Windies in Sydney 1985 🏏and touring the Chiang Mai Sixers with him in 1996 #RIPDutchy https://t.co/vdTfVnHCN6%E2%80%94 Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) September 17, 2017
Holland took 10 wickets in the SCG Test of December 1984 against West Indies, dismissing legends Viv Richards, Desmond Haynes and Clive Lloyd in the process.
He followed it up a year later with 10 wickets against New Zealand at the same venue, and finished his Test career with 34 wickets at 39.76.
He also played two ODIs in 1985, taking two wickets.
A very special man of cricket has passed away. The memory of Robert "Dutchy" Holland will last forever.. a true gentleman%E2%80%94 Mark Nicholas (@mcjnicholas) September 17, 2017
"Bob's cricketing journey was a remarkable one, having shown great persistence to make his first-class debut at the age of 32, and his Australian debut at the age of 38," said Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland.
"On the field, Bob contributed much to his state, New South Wales, and showed great skill and determination when representing his country.
"But Bob's contribution to our great game extended well beyond his on-field feats.
"As a volunteer administrator with a passion for grassroots cricket, Bob had an enormous impact on the game in the Newcastle region of New South Wales.
"Ever popular and highly respected, Bob was a deserved Order of Australia recipient earlier this year.
"Bob will be sadly missed, and our thoughts are with his wife, Carolyn, and his family, friends and all those who crossed paths with him in the cricketing community at this time."