Frank Allan

Who was Frank Allan?

Francis Erskine "Frank" Allan was an Australian cricketer who played in 1 Test in 1879.

In February 1869, Allan made his first-class debut for Victoria in an intercolonial match against New South Wales. Allan and Victorian captain Tom Wills obliterated the New South Wales batsmen with 8/20 in the first innings and 7/44 in the second innings respectively, securing Victoria's 78-run win. Wills described Allan's bowling thus: "He comes on you like a big spider, all legs and wings."

Allan was probably past his best by the time Test cricket arrived but had a reputation as a superb medium pace bowler.

On the Australians tour of 1878 to England Allan produced some excellent spells of bowling to take over 200 wickets in all games on the tour and became regarded as fine cricketer at both home and in England.

Allan's only Test came against the touring Lord Harris XI in 1879. He had been selected for the first two Tests two years earlier but had declined selection both times, including preferring to attend the Warrnambool Agricultural Fair with friends than playing in the inaugural Test match.