 From 1933, Allen worked in the London Stock Exchange, which limited the amount cricket he could play. Even so, he was appointed England captain in 1936 and led the team during the 1936 – 37 tour of Australia, when the home team won 3 – 2 having lost the first two matches. He continued to play for Middlesex until 1939; after the Second World War, in which he worked in Military Intelligence, he played irregularly into the 1950s. He captained England in a final Test series in the West Indies in 1947 – 48. As a cricketer, Allen was affected by his lack of regular play and was at his most effective during his two tours of Australia when he was able to build up his form. At other times, his bowling was often erratic but occasionally devastating. An orthodox batsman, he often scored runs when his team were under pressure.
