Sir George Oswald Browning "Gubby" Allen, CBE (31 July 1902 – 29 November 1989) played for Middlesex, Cambridge University, MCC and England.
Australian-born, Allen was a fast bowler and hard-hitting lower-order batsman. His batting was bold, correct and courageous. He was an outstanding close in fielder and had a classical side-on action as a medium paceman.
During the famous Bodyline series, Allen strongly disagreed with the controversial tactics of Douglas Jardine, the English captain, and refused to bowl leg theory; he still took 21 wickets in the series.
Allen was appointed as captain for the 1936/37 Ashes tour which they lost 3-2 to Bradman's Australians after winning the opening two Tests. Allen’s England side needing a win in the third Test to reclaim the Ashes. Batting first, the Australians made a respectable 200-9 in bowler- friendly conditions, which looked a good score when England found themselves 76-9 on day two. Gubby declared, believing they could grab some quick wickets in the testing conditions, but to counter this the hosts sent in four (four!) nightwatchmen. A rest day followed and the weather improved, leaving regular openers Jack Fingleton and Don Bradman – batting at numbers six and seven – to smash 136 and 270 respectively as Australia wrapped up a comfortable victory.
He captained England in 11 Tests.
He later became an influential cricket administrator, serving as MCC President in 1963/64 and Treasurer from 1964-76.
Allen was awarded a CBE for his services to the game in 1962 and knighted in 1986.
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