Francis (Frank) Thomas Mann

3 March 1888 – 6 October 1964

England, Middlesex, Cambridge University. 

Right-hand bat
First-class span 1908-1931

A lifelong devotee to Middlesex, Frank Mann made his debut for the club in 1909 after an undistinguished playing career for Malvern and Cambridge University. His early years at Middlesex were interrupted by the First World War. Serving with the Scots Guards he was wounded three times, and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery. 

Despite never being a consistently high run scorer, his powerful hitting made him popular with spectators. In one innings against Yorkshire he drove the ball onto the roof of the Lord’s Pavilion four times. His highest score of 194 came against Warwickshire in 1926. Named Middlesex captain in 1921, the team won the County Championship in his first season in charge. He stayed on in the role until 1928 and during much of this period he was also Honorary Secretary of the county. His success as captain led to his selection as captain of the MCC side which toured South Africa in 1922-23, with MCC winning the five match series 2-1. These were the only Test appearances he made. 

His son, George Mann went on to captain Middlesex and England. Together they hold the unique distinction of not only being the only father and son pair to captain Middlesex but also England.