New Delhi: Australian cricket is in mourning following the death of former Test cricketer Bob Cowper, who passed away at the age of 84 after battling an undisclosed illness. The man who was known for his remarkable triple century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) left a lasting legacy on the sport both as a player and later in administrative roles.
Bob Cowper represented Australia in 27 Test matches between 1964 and 1968. During this period, he compiled 2,061 runs at an impressive average of 46.84. The left-handed batter struck five centuries in his Test career but it was his monumental 307 against England in February 1966 that etched his name into cricketing folklore. That innings played on his home ground at the MCG lasted more than 12 hours and remains one of the finest displays of endurance and skill in Australian cricket history.
His 307 was the first triple century scored in a Test match on Australian soil and stood as the only one in the country throughout the 20th century. It was a defining moment in Cowper’s career and one that still resonates with cricket lovers to this day.
Today, Australian Cricket is mourning the loss of Bob Cowper OAM.
Bob was an elegant left-handed batter who scored five Test centuries for Australia, including a superb Ashes triple-century at the MCG in 1966.
Our thoughts are with Bob’s family, friends and teammates. pic.twitter.com/Zod0pDRH9T
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) May 11, 2025
Dominant at home, early to walk away
While Cowper’s international career was relatively short, his numbers on home turf were exceptional. With a staggering Test average of 75.78 in Australia, second only to the legendary Don Bradman, he proved to be a dominant force when playing on local pitches.
Cowper made the surprising decision to retire from international cricket in 1968 when he was just 28 years old. He chose to pursue a career in stockbroking and merchant banking, driven by ambition and a belief that cricket at the time did not offer adequate financial security. Cricket writer Gideon Haigh once noted that Cowper was “too intelligent and ambitious to linger long in a game offering such modest financial rewards.”
Beyond his Test career, Cowper featured in 147 first-class matches, mostly for Victoria, scoring over 10,000 runs and taking 183 wickets with his part-time off-spin.
Remembered for more than just runs
In addition to his playing days, Cowper also served as an ICC match referee, continuing his involvement in the game from behind the scenes. His deep understanding of cricket and thoughtful personality earned him respect well beyond his batting achievements.
In 2023, he was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to the sport, further underlining his contribution to the game.
Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird said, “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.”
Former Australian cricketer Bob Cowper, who scored a historic 307 at the MCG and 2,061 Test runs, passes away at 84, leaving behind a rich legacy. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
