The Ashes: 5 England-born cricketers who played for Australia and vice-versa

#3 Sir Gubby Allen (England)

Gubby Allen was England's second highest wicket-taker during the infamous 'Bodyline' series

Unlike in the modern game, cricketers of yore often had to work off the field to shore up their finances. Before cricket became a fully professional sport, Sir George 'Gubby' Allen was one of the prominent amateurs who worked in the Stock Exchange to go alongside his career on the field.

The versatile cricketer, who often found ways to contribute in all departments of the game, carved a niche for himself in the England set-up even though the Second World War ate into a large chunk of his peak years. Aside from bowling searing out-swingers at scorching pace, he was a resolute lower-order batsman as well as a safe catcher.

Having led England at the age of 45 years and 245 days, Allen remains the second oldest Test captain in the illustrious history of the format. In all, he was captain in 11 out his 25 Test appearances. Five of those came against the land of his birth. He was born in Sydney in a family of eminent lawyers. In fact, his uncle Reginald had once represented Australia in an Ashes contest. Sir Gubby could have joined him were it not for his family's relocation to England when he was just six years old.

His mettle was truly put to the test during the 1932/33 Ashes series when skipper Douglas Jardine asked him to be party to the infamous 'Bodyline' tactic aimed at curbing Sir Donald Bradman's astonishingly productive output. Since the fast bowler remained firm on not breaching the spirit of the game, Jardine had to relent. Nonetheless, Allen ended as the third highest wicket-taker in the series (only behind Harold Larwood and Bill O'Reilly) to propel England to a controversial 4-1 triumph on Australian soil.

Place of Birth

Sydney, New South Wales (Australia) - July 31, 1902

Ashes Series

1930 in England

1932/33 in Australia

1934 in England

1936/37 in Australia