Peter Allan dead at 87: Former Australia cricketer and Ashes star dies as tributes pour in
FORMER Australia bowler Peter Allan has passed away at the age of 87.
The Brisbane-born cricketer played just one Test for his country – which came in the 1965-66 Ashes against England.
He took two wickets in the match – which took place at his home ground of the Gabba – including that of England captain Mike Smith.
Following his death, Cricket Australia tweeted: “Cricket Australia would like to join @qldcricket [Queensland Cricket] in offering our condolences to the family and friends of Peter Allan.
“The tall right-arm quick represented his country in the 1965-66 Ashes amid a long and successful career with Queensland. May he rest in peace.”
And Queensland Cricket Chairman Chris Simpson added: “Peter had great skill as a bowler which was also mixed with determination.
“He typified that strike bowler role in the teams he played for.
“He served on the executive committee of the Queensland Cricket Association from 1985 to 1991 and was generous with his time and insights for any aspiring player who sought him out.
“His feat of taking 10 wickets in an innings remains a high point in Australian cricket.
“Peter made a wonderful contribution to cricket in Queensland and on behalf of Queensland Cricket, we thank him for his service to the game.”
As well as playing one Test for Australia, Allan also toured the Caribbean with his country in 1965 but failed to play after falling ill.
He is one of just three men to take 10 wickets in a Sheffield Shield innings – achieving the feat while playing for Queensland against Victoria.
Allan also took 10 wickets in a single innings in a Brisbane club game in March 1966.
Across a 10-year career between 1959 to 1969, he took 206 wickets at a rate of 26.10.
This included 12 five-wicket hauls and three 10-wicket hauls.
Following his cricket career, Allan worked with the Brisbane City Council, as a hotel publican and civil celebrant on Hamilton Island in Queensland.