Test cricketer Bob "Dutchy" Holland has died following a battle with brain cancer, two days after he attended a tribute night in his honour in Newcastle. He was 70.

Holland died suddenly and peacefully on Sunday afternoon after suffering a brain bleed while in hospital being treated for broken ribs suffered in a fall last week.

Test hero: Bob 'Dutchy' Holland. Credit:Peter Morris/Fairfax Media

The Southern Lakes, NSW and Australian spinner refused to go to hospital after the fall and attended a function in his honour, hosted by former Test captain Mark Taylor, at Toronto Workers Club on Friday night. "He had the best time of his life on Friday where he spent time with a lot of his mates at his dinner," son Craig told The Newcastle Herald on Sunday night.

"He showed no pain on the night and stayed till the end of the show. My family were amazed as we thought he might stay an hour or two.