The King of Lord's : The Life of Gubby Allen

For almost 50 years, Gubby Allen was the key influencer behind English cricket – captain, chairman of selectors and MCC strategist – yet he remained an elusive behind-the-scenes figure.Born in Australia in 1902 and educated at Eton, he became the protégé of Sir Pelham ‘Plum’ Warner.His refusal to bowl Bodyline on the 1932/33 tour set him at odds with Douglas Jardine but helped propel him to the captaincy of the 1936/37 Ashes, when he was pushed to breaking point.After distinguished wartime service, Allen became one of cricket’s most influential administrators.As chairman of selectors from 1955 to 1961 he oversaw a golden era and worked with Don Bradman to stamp out throwing.But his attachment to amateur ideals and his central role in the 1968 D’Oliveira Affair tarnished his reputation.Drawing on a treasure trove of new material, including Allen’s private correspondence, Mark Peel uncovers a driven, complex figure whose influence shaped the game for decades.