Alby Roberts
A New Zealand all-rounder whose brief Test career belied a reputation for fierce competitiveness and valuable lower-order runs.
1909–1978 (age 69)·New Zealand cricketer·Birthday: August 20·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Alby Roberts carved out his cricketing reputation in an era when New Zealand was still finding its feet on the international stage. A right-handed batsman and bowler, he brought a combative spirit to the field, known for his stubborn resistance with the bat and his medium-pace bowling. His five Test matches, spread across seven years from 1930 to 1937, tell a story of a player on the fringe of selection, often called upon for specific tours or conditions. While his statistical footprint in Tests is modest, his first-class career for Wellington was more substantial, marked by gritty innings and crucial wickets. He is remembered as a quintessential tough cricketer of the inter-war period, contributing to the foundation upon which later New Zealand teams were built.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Alby was born in 1909, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alby Was Born
The biggest hits of 1909
Alby's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1909Born
Robert Peary claims to reach the North Pole
President: William Howard Taft
1914Started school
World War I begins
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Became a teenager
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1925Could drive
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1927Could vote
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1930Turned 21
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1939Turned 30
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1949Turned 40
NATO founded; Mao proclaims the People's Republic of China
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Riders in the Sky" — Vaughn MonroeBest Picture: All the King's Men
1959Turned 50
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
1969Turned 60
Apollo 11: humans walk on the Moon; Woodstock festival
Gas: $0.35/galHome: $15,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Sugar, Sugar" — The ArchiesBest Picture: Midnight Cowboy
1978Died at 69
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
Key Achievements
- Represented New Zealand in five Test matches between 1930 and 1937.
- Played first-class cricket for Wellington, contributing as both a batsman and a bowler.
- Was part of New Zealand's early Test squads as the national team developed its identity.
Did You Know?
His full name was Albert William Roberts.
His Test career spanned seven years but included only five matches, indicating sporadic selection.
He played his first-class cricket primarily for the Wellington provincial team.
“You have to fight for every run on a green wicket against England.”
