Jon Holland
A left-arm spinner who seized his long-awaited Test chance against Sri Lanka, becoming Australia's oldest debutant in over three decades.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Australian cricketer·Birthday: May 29·Millennials
Biography
Jon Holland became Australia's oldest Test debutant since 1985 when he received his Baggy Green at age 29 for a Test in Sri Lanka in 2016. A crafty left-arm orthodox bowler from Victoria, he spent years as the nearly-man of Australian spin, perpetually in the shadow of Nathan Lyon. His first-class journey began in 2009. He became a reliable wicket-taker for the Victoria Bushrangers, relying on flight and subtle variations. International recognition seemed to have passed him by until a perfect storm of injuries and selectorial needs opened the door. While his international opportunities remained limited, that moment was the hard-earned reward for a decade of domestic service, a story that resonates with every club cricketer who dreams of the highest call-up.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jon was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jon Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Jon's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made his Test debut for Australia in 2016 against Sri Lanka in Galle, taking match figures of 4/136.
- Became the oldest Australian Test debutant since Bob Holland in 1985, earning his cap at 29 years and 203 days.
- Was a key part of multiple Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup winning teams with the Victoria cricket team.
- Took a five-wicket haul (5/68) on his first-class debut for Victoria in 2009.
Did You Know?
He was a talented Australian rules football player in his youth and played for the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup.
His Test debut came on the same day as fellow Victorian Joe Burns, making it a unique double celebration.
He announced his retirement from first-class cricket in 2023 to focus on his career as a firefighter.
He bowled the final over in a thrilling tied Big Bash League match for the Melbourne Renegades in 2018.
“You wait for your chance, and when it comes, you have to be ready to bowl.”
