Robertson faces brain cancer battle

Former Australia spin bowler Gavin Robertson has thanked the hundreds of well-wishers who have reached out since it was revealed he had emergency brain surgery earlier this month.

Robertson has revealed the details of his sudden diagnosis to remove a tumour, and confirmed he now faces an intense radiation and chemotherapy programme on primary 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."

Robertson played four Tests for Australia in 1998, making his debut against India in Chennai after receiving Baggy Green cap No.375.

He hit 57 runs in his maiden Test innings in a 96-run stand with Ian Healy for the ninth wicket and, after being hit for six off his first ball, took five wickets in the match bowling in tandem with Shane Warne. His first Test wicket came when he trapped Sourav Ganguly leg before for three.

He took five wickets again in the third Test of that series, in Bengaluru, which Australia won, having adapted to a quicker pace and fuller length.

He had earlier played 13 ODIs for Australia between 1994 and 1998, with his debut coming against Sri Lanka in Colombo. He appeared once on home soil at the MCG against England in 1995 and took a career total of eight ODI wickets.

He also played seven matches for Australia A when they featured in the 1994-95 World Series that featured England and Zimbabwe, including both finals against Australia.

He made his Sheffield Shield debut with NSW before moving to Tasmania to establish him as an accurate finger-spinner and talented lower-order batsman. He returned to NSW, winning two one-day titles and was part of the 1992-93 Shield-winning side.

Former teammates Darren Lehmann and Tom Moody were among those to publicly send their well wishes to Robertson, while his Test captain Mark Taylor paid tribute to his fighting spirit.

"The first thing that comes to mind is him being a very vibrant person," Taylor told Wide World of Sports.

"He brought that to NSW and Australian cricket. Always chin up, with a smile on his face, enjoying life; as a cricketer and as a person.

"He really was a fine bowler. He had the ideal build for an off-spin bowler: tallish, high action, gave it a rip and could drift the ball. That's what made him such a useful bowler for NSW and Australia."

Taylor recalled Robertson heading up the Australian team's social committee on a subcontinent tour.

"Robbo was always finding things for us to do, whether it was card nights or gambling nights; social events that got the team together to ward off any potential boredom that comes with being on tour all the time. That's the sort of character he is," Taylor said.

"I'm sure he'll be calling on all those qualities over however long it takes to fight this. That vibrancy, that always looking for the positive; that was what Gav was very good at.

"I hope that will hold him in good stead in the weeks, months and maybe years ahead for him."

Robertson said he was committed to remaining positive in his fight.

"The similar journeys of so many people have already inspired me, and I have never shied away from a challenge, so this one I will meet with all my will power, determination and inner strength," he said.

Robertson's family revealed the former cricketer was rushed into surgery on May 13 just hours after a phone call from renowned Sydney brain surgeon Dr Charlie Teo, whom Robertson had earlier visited after feeling unwell.

Robertson turned 53 on Tuesday this week.

Those wishing to get in touch with the Robertson family are invited to direct their messages to his manager, Harley Medcalf, harley@duetgroup.com to respect the family's wishes for privacy.