Bob Holland is being remembered as one of cricket's great gentlemen after his passing at the age of 70 on the weekend.
Australian legspinner Holland, who became his country's third oldest Test debutant in 1984, died after battling an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Former Test captain Mark Taylor rejoiced in seeing his former NSW teammate one last time on Friday at a function in Holland's honour.
Taylor, who played 104 Tests, said he learnt a great deal from Holland as a youngster about the craft of spin bowling when they played together in Sheffield Shield.
"He was in reasonable spirits. Obviously not quite the 'Dutchy' I remember from his playing days," Taylor told Sky Sports Radio on Monday.
"It was a chance for quite a few of us to say g'day.
"There was no doubt he was one of the game's great gentlemen.
"But he was also a competitor. Loved to bowl, loved to take on a batsman."
Holland made his debut for NSW at the age of 32, not playing his first Test until six years later against the West Indies at the Gabba.
He'd go on to play 11 Tests.
Only 46-year-olds Don Blackie and Bert Ironmonger in 1928 put on their first Baggy Green at an older age.
Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Holland's cricket journey was one of perseverance.
"Bob's cricketing journey was a remarkable one," Sutherland said in a statement.
"On the field, Bob contributed much to his state NSW, 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. Bob had an enormous impact on the game in the Newcastle region of New South Wales."
Former Test allrounder Tom Moody described Holland as a "true gentleman of the game" on Twitter, while Australian spinner Nathan Lyon was also among those to pay tribute.
"Sorry to hear of the passing of Baggy Green player No.326 and fellow spinner Bob Holland! Thoughts and prayers are with his family!," Lyon tweeted.
At Test level, Holland was best known for his 10-wicket haul against one of the strongest West Indian teams of all time.
In total he claimed 34 Test wickets and was part of a NSW squad that secured three Sheffield Shield titles during the 1980s.
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