Australian cricket is mourning the loss of another great after Bob Cowper died aged 84 following a cancer battle.

The Victorian left-hander played 27 Tests and averaged 46.84, scoring five tons, while playing alongside the likes of Bob Simpson, Doug Walters, Ian Chappell and Bill Lawry.

Cowper’s famous 307 across an astonishing 12 hours in the 1965-66 MCG Ashes Test was the first triple-century scored on Australian soil.

He also took 36 wickets at an average of 31.63 — but he would not play a single Test match after the age of 27.

He retired for good before turning 30, finishing on a high with Victoria’s Sheffield Shield triumph in 1970 and turning his focus to business.

“R.I.P Bob Cowper. Good man. Lived like an amateur, played like a pro,” Test veteran turned popular commentator Kerry O’Keeffe said.

Cowper is the third 1970s Victorian great and Australian Test cricketer to die in the past six months.

Ian Redpath died aged 83 late last year while Keith Stackpole died at 84 last month.

Cowper is survived by wife Dale and daughters Olivia and Sera.

“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.

“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.”

A Victorian Cricket Hall of Famer and life member, Cowper had a lucrative post-cricket career as a stockbroker and merchant banker.

But he was not lost to his sport.

Cowper was a match referee and Australia’s representative to the ICC from 1987 to 2001.

He was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2023.