Cricket rallies as former Australian spinner Gavin Robertson faces the ‘fight of his life’

Former Australian cricketer Gavin Robertson has spoken for the first time since the “heartbreaking” news of his cancer battle was revealed.

Former Australian Test spinner Gavin Robertson is locked in the “fight of his life”, but has been left overwhelmed by the show of support.

Robertson, 53, had a brain tumour removed earlier this month and faces “a very long fight” after revealing he is fighting brain cancer.

“My family and I have been overwhelmed by the incredible show of love and support from so many friends and well-wishers over the past week,” Robertson said in a statement today.

“It has been an emotional roller coaster, consuming each and every minute of my day, and now I am ready and able to meet this challenge that confronts me.

“Thank you again for your positive messages sending me best wishes. It reminds me how fortunate I am to have made so many enduring and genuine friendships over the past 50 years.

“I really appreciate your support, and just can’t answer all these messages right now, and kindly request that we have some privacy in the first phase of the battle ahead.”

An off-spinner who played four Tests and 13 one-day internationals for his country, Robertson was encouraged to stay strong by former Sheffield Shield rivals Darren Lehmann and Tom Moody.

After reportedly feeling unwell, Robertson went to the doctor to be checked out and within hours received the devastating news he had brain cancer.

Speaking on Macquarie Sports Radio, reporter Mat Thompson revealed the former spinner had undergone surgery and was now in the real fight.

“I want to wish our mate Gavin Robertson a happy birthday. I know he’s had happier birthdays than the one he’s experiencing right now,” Thompson said.

“But he has a wonderfully supporting family, great friends and many wellwishers among the supporting public.

“Sadly, the news for Gav is not great. I told you a couple weeks back that he’d been feeling unwell with a variety of symptoms, which prompted him to go and seek advice from the great professor Dr Charlie Teo and within hours he’d been diagnosed with a brain tumour and was in surgery.

Robertson back in his days with the NSW Blues.

Thompson said an update from Robertson’s family that came last night was “bad news”.

“Robbo is facing a very long fight,” he said.

“When one of the good guys is faced with a struggle like Gavin is, it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

“When I heard the news of his diagnosis last night I was numb. He’s a man who I’ve respected enormously for many years. He’s in for the fight of his life.”

ROBERTSON FAMILY STATEMENT

The family posted a photo of Robertson following his operation with an update on how it had unfolded.

“It’s time to get to u all and tell where dad is at. He’s had a brain tumour removed on Monday and waiting a week to find out where he’s at with the cancer level and what happens from here,” the post read.

“It’s all happened quickly but Dr Charlie Teo is his friend and he told him at 12 pm Monday to get to his surgery and he operated 5 hrs later.

“Dads had over 400 msgs but I’m just filling in the rest of our friends. Fingers crossed. Keep u up to date. Jake Zoe & Brittany.”

Robertson’s cricket career began in 1987 with the NSW Blues where he struggled to land a spot in the team.

A move to Tasmania two seasons later helped boost his career and after several seasons he found himself back in NSW and helping the Blues claim the Sheffield Shield trophy in 1992-93.

He made his Test debut for Australia against India in 1998, claiming five wickets with his right-handed off-spin bowling.

After retiring from cricket in 2000, Robertson moved into the media and makes regular appearances on Fox Sports’ Bill and Boz program.

The news of his diagnosis and surgery was met with plenty of well wishes from those who had worked with Robertson.

“Gav Robertson is one of those guys who always greets you with a smile & a kind word. One of the nicest men I’ve come across in cricket or footy. This news just isn’t fair. Thinking of his family, colleagues & cricketing friends,” Fox Sports presenter Neroli Meadows tweeted.

“Gav is one of the most genuine people you’ll meet. His family has been overwhelmed with the support offered by the cricket family. You’ve got this mate,” SEN’s Mitchell Scott tweeted.

Originally published as Cricket rallies as former Australian spinner Gavin Robertson faces the ‘fight of his life’