Bob Cowper, the legendary Australian batsman who etched his name in history as the first to score a Test triple-century on Australian soil, has passed away at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness, Cricket Australia announced on Sunday.
A stylish left-hander, Cowper represented Australia in 27 Test matches between 1964 and 1968, notching up five centuries. His most iconic innings came during the 1966 Ashes series, when he scored a monumental 307 off 589 deliveries at the Melbourne Cricket Ground—a feat that stood as the only triple-century in a Test on Australian soil until Matthew Hayden’s 380 in 2003.
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird paid tribute, saying, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper who was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket. On behalf of Cricket Australia, our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends, and former teammates.”
Cowper also had a distinguished domestic career, playing 66 first-class matches for Victoria, and later contributed to the game as an ICC match referee.
“Bob was a wonderful batter who will always be remembered for his famous triple-century at the MCG, as well as his strong influence in the Australian and Victorian teams of the 1960s,” Baird added.
