Arthur Gilligan

Who was Arthur Gilligan?

Arthur Edward Robert Gilligan was an English cricketer who captained the England cricket team in 1924 and 1925. In first-class cricket, he played as an amateur, mainly for Cambridge University and Sussex, and captained the latter team between 1922 and 1929. He captained England on nine occasions, winning four matches, losing four and drawing one. A fast bowler and hard-hitting lower order batsman, Gilligan completed the double in 1923 and was one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year for 1924. When his playing career ended, he held several important positions in cricket, including that of England selector and president of the Marylebone Cricket Club. A popular figure within cricket, he was regarded as sporting and friendly.

Gilligan played cricket for Dulwich College before the First World War, then for Cambridge, twice winning his blue. After briefly playing county cricket for Surrey, he moved to Sussex in 1920. Following a slow start to his county career, he rapidly improved and was appointed Sussex captain. He played for England on an overseas tour, and in partnership with Maurice Tate established a formidable bowling reputation.