Lucky: The Life of HL 'Bert' Collins: Cricketer, Soldier, Gambler

by Max Bonnell

He was known as 'Lucky', but Herbert Collins, a lifelong gambler, lost as many bets as he won. In 1921, Collins was Australia's captain and the most successful batsman in international cricket; within a decade, he was destitute and living on charity. Collins played a key role in rebuilding Australian cricket after the First World War, but his reputation has been stained by allegations that he sold a vital Test match to gamblers. The remarkable story of one of Australia's most influential and fascinating cricketers

First published February 1, 2015