Gavin Robertson, the former Australian spin bowler, is facing a protracted course of treatment for aggressive brain cancer after a recent diagnosis.

A little more than 20 years after the last of his four Test matches Robertson sought medical advice after reportedly feeling unwell and was found to be suffering from primary brain cancer, otherwise known as gliobastoma.

He has undergone surgery to remove a brain tumour and is now set to begin an intensive course of chemo and radiation therapy over the next 18 months in an effort to contain the cancer in his body.

Since his retirement, Robertson has been well-known and liked as a commentator while also working as community liaison officer for the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFL team. In a statement released on Wednesday he thanked the outpouring of support.

"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. "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."

Thinking of Gavin Robertson and his family at this tough time, the world is testing all of us and many others affected by Cancer, keep going @GavRobbo375 @MarkAllenGolf you are true champions, your families are great pillars of strength and our thoughts are with you all. Xxxx

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) May 28, 2019

His spin bowling for New South Wales and Australia earned respect for its resourcefulness and accuracy, while he learned a great deal about how to tackle subcontinental conditions more than a decade before Nathan Lyon finally mastered the task in 2017.

Mark Taylor, who was Robertson's Test captain, praised his character and 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. 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."

"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," reporter Mat Thompson said on Macquarie Sports Radio. "But he has a wonderfully supporting family, great friends and many wellwishers among the supporting public.

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. @GavRobbo375

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) May 28, 2019

"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.

"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. 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."