Former Australia all-rounder Bob Cowper who scored the first-ever Test triple century in Australia has passed away at the age of 84 after prolonged battle with illness. Cowper who retired from Test cricket at the age of 28 is survived by wife Dale and daughters Olivia and Sera.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper who was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket," said Cricket Australia chairperson Mike Baird.
"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.
"He was also a significant contributor to cricket in other roles including as an ICC match referee and his wisdom was always keenly sought.
"On behalf of Cricket Australia, our deepest condolences to Bob's family, friends and former teammates at this very sad time."
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Cowper's eventful Test career
Cowper made his Test debut against England at Headingley, Leeds on July 2, 1964. He scored his first century against West Indies in March 1965. The triple century came in the Ashes 1965-66. He scored 307 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). He batted for more than 12 hours to script history in Melbourne.
He scored two centuries against India when the Chandu Borde-led side toured Australia in 1967-68. The Ashes 1968 turned out to be his last Test series.
Cowper's Test career in numbers
The southpaw scored 2,061 runs from 17 Tests at an average of 46.84, including five centuries and 10 half-centuries. He was handy with the ball as well. The pacer claimed 36 wickets at an average of 31.63, including three four-fers.
Cowper's first-class record
His numbers in First-Class cricket are impressive as well. From 147 games, he scored 10,595 runs at an average of 53.78, including 26 centuries and 58 half-centuries. He claimed 183 wickets in the red-ball format.
Cowper's life after retirement
After hanging his boots, he worked in finance as a stockbroker and excelled there. He moved to Monaco and spent most of his life after cricket there. He returned to cricket as an ICC match referee. In 2023, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to nation's cricketing history.
Hayden broke Cowper's record
Cowper's record for highest score on Australian soil was broken decades later by Australian opener Matthew Hayden with a 380-run knock against Zimbabwe.