(Reuters) - Bob Cowper, the first batsman to score a Test triple-century on Australian soil, has died at the age of 84 after a prolonged battle with illness, Cricket Australia said on Sunday.
Left-handed batter Cowper played 27 Tests for Australia between 1964 and 1968, scoring five centuries including a 12-hour 307 off 589 balls against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the Ashes series in 1966.
It was the only Test triple-century on Australian soil until Matthew Hayden's 380 against Zimbabwe at Perth in 2003.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Cowper who was a hugely respected figure in Australian cricket," Cricket Australia chair Mike Baird said in a statement.
"On behalf of Cricket Australia, our deepest condolences to Bob's family, friends and former teammates."
Cowper also played 66 first-class matches for Victoria and later served as an ICC match referee.
“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," Baird added.
(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
