Cricket world mourns as Aussie batting maestro Bob Cowper dies at 84

By Lewis Barnett 11 May, 2025 4 mins read 110 Views

God. The cricket community lost another legend this weekend. Bob Cowper – one of Australia's most elegant batsmen from the 60s – died Saturday morning after what's been described as a "long battle with cancer." He was 84.

I remember watching old footage of Cowper when I was learning about cricket's golden era back in uni. There was something about his technique that just made you stop and watch. Effortless, really.

Hear the Summary

The numbers only tell half the story

Cowper's Test career might've been relatively brief (1964-68), but he made every innings count. 2061 runs across 27 Tests with that impressive 46.84 average. Five centuries too. But stats never capture teh artistry, do they?

His wife Dale and daughters Olivia and Sera survive him. Can't imagine what they're going through right now.

Wait... wasn't he the triple-century bloke?

Yes! Just checked my old cricket almanac. Cowper was the first Australian to score a Test triple century on home soil. Melbourne, 1966. Against England. Talk about making your mark in the Ashes.

A mate of mine met him at a charity event in 2018 and said he was surprisingly humble about his achievements. "Just lucky to play when I did," he apparently told everyone who asked about that innings.

Technical brilliance in an era of giants

The 60s weren't exactly lacking in batting talent. Guys like Sobers, Kanhai, Barrington... and Cowper held his own among them. My dad always maintained he was "criminally underrated" because he retired early to pursue business interests.

That generation was built different.

I spent $200 on a signed photo of the '64 Australian team last year at an auction. Cowper's signature was right there next to Simpson's and Lawry's. Feels weirdly more valuable now, though I wish it wasn't for this reason.

From MCG hero to business success

After retiring from cricket, Cowper moved into the business world and apparently did quite well for himself. Relocated to Europe at some point too, if I'm remembering correctly. Always found it interesting how completely some players managed to reinvent themselves after sport.

The Australian cricket community is understandably in mourning. More tributes will undoubtedly pour in as news spreads throughout the day.

This story is still developing... I'll update this piece as more details emerge about funeral arrangements and official statements from Cricket Australia.

A personal footnote

I never saw Cowper play live – I'm not THAT old – but my grandfather wouldn't shut up about him whenever we watched Tests together. "They don't make 'em like Cowper anymore," he'd say, usually after some modern batsman played an ugly slog. Looking at those black and white photos of him at the crease... maybe grandad had a point.

For all the latest cricket news, real-life stories and must-see videos, follow The Sun Football on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball or on Twitter at @TheSunFootball.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play cricket using a tennis ball?

While a tennis ball is not recommended for formal cricket games, it can be useful for casual practice, especially for beginners or when playing in confined spaces where a hard cricket ball could cause injury or damage. It provides a good, safer alternative for practicing your batting and catching skills.

What is the best cricket ball for a beginner?

Beginners should choose a lightweight bat to help them learn the basics of their game. An entry-level, lower grade English or Kashmir willow bat would be suitable, as it offers good performance at a more affordable price point than professional-grade bats.

What is the best size cricket bat for me?

It is important to select the right size cricket bat for comfort and proper technique. It is based not just on height but also reach and batting style. Adults require a bat that is full size, which is equivalent to sizes 6 or Harrow in pre-adolescents. Sizes 1 through 5 are for younger players. It is important to practice your batting posture with the bat you are considering before purchasing it.

Statistics

In professional cricket, 95% of players use custom-fitted equipment for optimal performance and safety.
Around 70% of cricket-related injuries could be prevented with the proper use of protective gear.
Studies show that players who wear thigh pads have a 25% lower risk of sustaining severe bruises or contusions.
Nearly 50% of amateur cricketers have experienced equipment-related discomfort or injury due to improper fitting.
Only about 5% of cricket bats sold are made from Grade 1+ English willow, the highest quality available.
Nearly 85% of cricketers agree that the choice of grip significantly affects their batting comfort and control.
It is estimated that a well-maintained cricket bat can last for around 1000 hours of play, whereas neglected bats might last only a third of that time.
Approximately 40% of cricket players have experienced slippage issues with substandard quality cricket shoes, highlighting the need for good grip features.

External Links

How To

How to Decide Between Spiked or Rubber Cricket Shoes

Your pitch will be the primary factor when choosing between rubber or spiked cricket shoes. Spiked shoes offer added traction on soft, grassy grounds and wickets, enhancing stability. Rubber soles work better on artificial or hard wickets, where spikes can damage the surface and be less effective. Consider the usual conditions that you will be playing in before buying.