Harsha Bhogle and Tom Moody wish former Aussie spinner Gavin Robertson speedy recovery from cancer

Former Australia off-spinner Gavin Robertson has found himself in a fight and it is far more serious than even getting the wicket of the world’s best batsman. Robertson, who turned 53 on May 28, has been diagnosed with brain cancer. The former cricketer had gone to the doctor after reportedly feeling unwell and following diagnosis, he got the devastating news.

Robertson had accompanied the legendary Shane Warne in the tour of India in 1998 in which he made his debut in the longer format. But as it was likely in an era when talents like Warne and Stuart McGill had dominated the scene, the off-spinner’s chances were limited. He had played his fourth and final Test in the same year against Pakistan in Karachi. In the four games, Robertson picked up 13 wickets with the best of 4 for 72. In the ODIs, though, Robertson started in 1994 and took eight wickets in 13 games. He also has a fifty in Test cricket.

The man though has remained positive and hoped that the tumour would be less threatening.

While the former Aussie spinner stays upbeat about his diagnosis, from across the seas Harsha Bhogle and Tom Moody wish their friend a speedy recovery. Harsha takes to Twitter to let his old friend know that he is thinking about Gavin. He writes: “Hi @GavRobbo375 just heard about your surgery. A friend from across the seas who have been touched by your smile and good cheer and who enjoyed a few conversations wishes you well. Thinking of you.

Tom Moody also gives mental strength to his old mate as he writes on Twitter: “Thinking of Gavin Robertson this evening as he battles brain cancer. One of the good guys, stay strong Robbo all our prayers are with you mate.”

Bad news on Robertson’s birthday

Mat Thompson, one of Australia’s leading sports commentators, said on Macquarie Sports Radio, Sydney, that he wanted to wish Robertson a happy birthday, adding that the latter had happier birthdays than the one he is experiencing at the moment.

“I told you a couple of 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 Doctor Charlie Teo and within hours he’d been diagnosed with a brain tumour and was in surgery,” Thompson was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

“I received an update from Gavin’s family last evening and it’s bad news. Robbo is facing a very long fight. When one of the good guys is faced with a struggle like Gavin is, it’s absolutely heartbreaking.”

Robertson had started playing in 1987 with the New South Wales Blues but he had to struggle then. He later moved to Tasmania and that helped in boosting his career. He returned to New South Wales after several seasons and helped the team win the Sheffield Shield Trophy in 1992-93. He retired from the game in 2000 after taking 127 first-class wickets in a roller-coaster ride and became a media personality.