Bob Cowper, a notable left-hand batter for Australia in the 1960s, has passed away at the age of 84. Cowper played a significant role in Australian cricket during his 27-Test career, amassing 2061 runs with an average of 2061 and registering five centuries. His career included a standout innings of 307 against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1966.
A stalwart for Victoria in first-class cricket, Cowper appeared in 147 matches between 1959 and 1970. He secured 10,595 runs at an average of 53.78, including 26 centuries. Additionally, he took 183 wickets in first-class cricket, with 36 of those coming in Tests, through his skill as an occasional off-spinner.
In response to Cowper’s passing, Cricket Australia remarked on his exceptional talents, noting his elegant stroke play and his knack for compiling large scores. A statement read, “Cowper was an enormously talented left-hand batter renowned for his elegant stroke play, his patience at the crease, and his ability to amass big totals.”
Cowper opted to leave professional cricket at the young age of 28, redirecting his ambitions into a successful career in stockbroking and merchant banking. “Bob Cowper renounced Test cricket at 28, though not before he had built an impressive portfolio of achievement as a left-hand batsman and finger-spinner,” noted cricket writer Gideon Haigh. Cowper’s innings of 307 was not only the highest at the MCG but was also the only triple-century on Australian soil until Matthew Hayden’s 380 in the early 2000s.
His legacy extended beyond his playing days; Cowper left a lasting impact on former teammate Ian Chappell, noted for championing players’ rights. Cowper also contributed to the sport as an ICC match referee.
Mike Baird, chairman of Cricket Australia, shared his condolences: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper who was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket. 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.”
“Our deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends, and former teammates during this very sad time,” Baird added. Cowper’s contributions to cricket, both on and off the field, will be warmly remembered by those who knew him.
