Gubby Allen
A formidable fast bowler who captained England and later wielded immense behind-the-scenes power in cricket's establishment for decades.
1902–1989 (age 87)·English cricketer·Birthday: July 31·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Gubby Allen cut a towering figure in English cricket, both literally and figuratively, for over half a century. Born in Australia but raised in England, he was a genuinely quick bowler known for his refusal to bowl bodyline tactics during the infamous 1932-33 Ashes, a principled stand that burnished his reputation. His playing career for Middlesex and England was distinguished, if occasionally interrupted by injury, and he led the national side in 11 Tests. But his true legacy was forged in the committee rooms of Lord's. After hanging up his boots, Allen became a central, often autocratic, force in the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), serving as a Test selector and later chairman. For thirty years, his opinions shaped English cricket policy, from tour selections to broader governance, making him one of the most influential administrators the game has known.
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.
Gubby was born in 1902, 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 Gubby Was Born
The biggest hits of 1902
Gubby's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1902Born
The eruption of Mount Pelee kills 30,000 in Martinique
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1907Started school
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1915Became a teenager
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat
President: Woodrow Wilson
1918Could drive
World War I ends; Spanish flu pandemic kills millions
President: Woodrow Wilson
1920Could vote
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Turned 21
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1932Turned 30
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1942Turned 40
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1952Turned 50
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 60
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 70
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 80
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1989Died at 87
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
Key Achievements
- Captained England in 11 Test matches between 1936 and 1948.
- Took 21 wickets in the 1932-33 Ashes series while famously declining to bowl bodyline.
- Served as the chairman of the England selectors from 1955 to 1961.
- Held key administrative roles at the MCC, including serving as its treasurer and a powerful committee member for decades.
Did You Know?
He was born in Sydney, Australia, and moved to England as a child.
His nickname 'Gubby' was derived from his childhood pronunciation of 'gunboat'.
He was knighted in 1986 for his services to cricket.
Allen was a talented squash player and won the British Amateur Squash championship in 1931.
“I will not bowl at a man's body; it's not cricket.”
