The cricket world has mourned the tragic loss of Ashes hero Bob Cowper, Australia's $100m batting icon
Cowper, a superb left-handed batter who became Australia's most wealthy former Test cricketer died in Melbourne on Saturday morning after a lengthy battle with cancer.
The Ashes hero played 27 Tests for Australia between 1964 and 1968 and has a special place in the pantheon of Australian cricket due to both his exceptional records and his famous decision to retire from the sport at the peak of his career at age 28.
Cowper is survived by his wife Dale and his daughters Olivia and Sera.
The Victorian batsman produced one of Australia's most memorable Test innings when he made 307 runs against England at the MCG in 1966 and served as the first Test triple century scored in Australia. That famous innings ultimately saw Australia retain the Ashes.
Only seven other Australian's have achieved a triple century in a men's Test.
"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," Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said in a statement.
"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."
Better known to his mates as 'Wallaby', Cowper's batting average of 75.78 runs on home soil still remains the second highest of all time, rivalled only by Sir Donald Bradman
The cricket doyen also held a stunning Test record, compiling 2,061 runs at an average of 46.84 and has five centuries to his name.
Cowper also played 83 first class matches for Victoria and was immortalised into the Cricket Victoria hall of fame in 2018.
However, he shocked his teammates and unexpectedly retired at age 28 to pursue business interests in the stock broking and merchant banking industry. Cowper went on to become Australia's most wealthy former Test cricketer.
It was estimated in 1987 his total worth amounted to a staggering $100 million and for a significant portion of his life resided in the lavish microstate of Monaco.
In retirement Cowper further served as an International Cricket match referee and represented Australia on the International Cricket Council.
Cricket Victoria chair Ross Hepburn said Cowper had a "profound" impact on the game.
"He was one of our greats – a player of technical excellence and great poise," he said.
Cowper received a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2023.
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