Tributes paid to cricketing legends who played in Blackburn
A Blackburn cricket club has paid tribute to two cricketing legends who have died.
Over the weekend, Cricket Australia announced Bob Cowper had died aged 84.
Cowper, whose batting average was behind only the great Don Bradman, played for East Lancs CC in the 1960s.
Left-handed batsman Bob Cowper played 27 Tests for his country before leaving the game for a career in stockbroking and merchant banking.
The club said: 'We're saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper, Australian Test cricketer and 1966 East Lancashire Cricket Club professional.
'An Ashes hero with 2,066 Test runs (avg 46.84) and a top score of 307 vs England, he led East Lancs to a historic Lancashire League and Worsley Cup double with 906 runs & 72 wickets.
"He played alongside the late Brian Bowling, another club legend who also recently passed away.
'Our deepest sympathies go to Bob's family, friends and all who knew him.'
In April, the club paid tribute to Brian Bowling, who died at the age of 92.
The club said: 'Brian took over 600 League and Cup wickets for the Club across a 1st XI career spanning 24 seasons.
"Brian's 612 wickets have been bettered by only four other East Lancs players in our 161-year history.
'He was part of the 1966 and 1980 Double-winning teams and in total won six League titles and six Worsley Cups in a highly successful East Lancs career.
'Brian was a true gentleman who was regularly seen supporting the club at matches from his retirement until last season, and he would be seen practising at nets well into his 70s.'
In the first home game of the season last month, between East Lancs and Great Harwood, players from both sides held a minute's silence to remember Brian.
In 1997, the Lancashire Telegraph's Peter White featured Brian as part of 'Off The Record' in which the 64-year-old was leaving batsmen in a spin.
Bob Cowper is survived by wife Dale and daughters Olivia and Sera.
Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird added: "Bob was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket.
"He was a wonderful batter who will always be remembered for his famous triple century at the MCG.
"He was also a significant contributor to cricket in other roles, including as an ICC match referee, and his wisdom was always keenly sought."
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