Gubby Allen

Sir George Oswald Browning Allen (known as Gubby Allen) (born July 31 1902, Sydney, Australia; died November 29 1989, London ) was an Australian-born English cricketer, renowned as both a bowler and batsman, who played 25 tests for England and was captain in 11 of them.

Educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge, he began his First Class career playing for Cambridge University. Between 1921 and 1950 he played for Middlesex and in 1930 was called to make his test debut, in the 2nd test against Australia at Lord's. During the famous Bodyline series he strongly disagreed with the controversial tactics of Douglas Jardine, the English captain, but still took 21 wickets.

He still holds the all-time test record partnership for the 8th wicket with Leslie Ames of 246 against New Zealand in 1931, and is the only man ever to have taken all 10 wickets at Lord's, doing so for only 40 runs playing for Middlesex against Lancashire in 1929.

After retiring from all forms of the game in 1950, Allen chaired the selection panel for the England cricket team between 1955 and 1961. He was knighted for services to cricket in 1986.

Preceded by: Bob Wyatt Norman Yardley

English national cricket captain 1936-1936/7 1947/8

Followed by: Walter Robins Norman Yardley

External reference

• Cricinfo page on Gubby Allen