David Allen (cricketer)

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David Arthur Allen (29 October 1935 – 24 May 2014) was an English cricketer who played for Gloucestershire from 1953 to 1972 and appeared in 39 Test matches for England between 1960 and 1966. He was a right-handed batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler, known for his short run-up and reliable spin bowling.

Allen toured all the major Test nations of his era and was a capable lower-order batsman. Notable moments include helping England draw a Lord’s Test in 1963 by batting with Colin Cowdrey when Cowdrey was injured, and scoring 50 not out in the 1965–66 Ashes in Sydney with a useful partnership for the last wickets.

In the 1961–62 India and Pakistan tour he bowled a lot, sending down 482 overs in eight Tests. He also had a famous moment in the 1961 Old Trafford Test against Australia when he was taken off after an expensive over, but Australia still fought back for a narrow win.

After retiring from cricket, Allen worked in wine distribution for Harveys and later Allied Domecq. He remained connected to Gloucestershire Cricket Club, serving on the club committee and becoming president in 2011.

David Allen died in May 2014 at age 78. He was survived by his wife Joyce and their son and daughter.