Aussie cricket legend Bob Cowper dead at age 84

An Australian Ashes hero and cult hero has died at the age of 84 in news that has devastated the cricket world.

Aussie cricket legend Bob Cowper has died at the age of 84, Cricket Australia has confirmed.

The Ashes hero died in Melbourne on Saturday morning after a long battle with cancer.

The mercurial batsman has a special place in the history of Australian cricket both for his records and his famous decision to retire from the sport when he had the world at his feet at the age of 28.

Nine reports he is survived by wife Dale and daughters Olivia and Sera.

Cowper was a force to be reckoned with on home soil and his batting average of 75.78 runs in Australia remains the second-highest of all time, behind only Sir Donald Bradman.

Bob Cowper with Sir Donald Bradman.

He was also the first cricketer to score a triple-century in Australia during the 1965-66 Ashes series.

That famous innings ultimately saw Australia retain the Ashes.

He played his 27th and final Test in Leeds in 1968 during an Ashes Tour, finishing with 2061 runs at Test level.

Cowper grew up in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and attended Scotch College before joining the Hawthorn-East Melbourne Cricket Club. He played his first Test — against England at Leeds in 1964 — at the age of 23.

Bob Cowper batting for Australia.

Batsman Bob Cowper, best remembered as one of four Australians to top 300 runs at international test level.

His final game of first-class cricket came during a Shield match in 1970.

In retirement, Cowper continued to represent Australia on the International Cricket Council (ICC).

He was a successful businessman after his cricket career wrapped up and had been described as a “squillionaire businessman” in some Australian newspapers.

He made the decision to give up his international career in order to concentrate on being a sharebroker.

He lived a glamorous life working in finance while living most of the year in Monaco.

Cricket Australia chairman Mike Baird has shared his deepest condolences to the Cowper family.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper who was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket,” 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.

“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.”

Originally published as Aussie cricket legend Bob Cowper dead at age 84