Bill Woodfull

Lore & Background

Woodfull started playing cricket from a young age. He made his professional debut in Melbourne's district competition staying until the age of 19. He made his first-class debut for Victoria at the age of 25 in December 1922, during the 1922–23 season. After scoring a century in his second match, Woodfull was promoted to open the following season, and he opened for the rest of his career. After scoring three centuries, including a 236, in 1925–26, he was selected for the 1926 tour of England. Woodfull made eight centuries during the tour and topped the Australian averages and was named one of the five Wisden Cricketers of the Year. Upon returning to Australia, Woodfull established his partnership with Ponsford, and in 1926–27 Shield season, they put on a record-breaking 375-run opening stand, setting up a world record first-class team score of 1107. Woodfull was appointed as vice-captain to Jack Ryder for the 1928–29 home Ashes series. He carried his bat in a record-breaking first Test defeat. Although England easily won 4–1, Woodfull scored three centuries, and added his best first-class score for 275 not out. Woodfull reluctantly became captain in 1930 when Ryder was dropped, and his team was derided as the worst Australian squad to tour England. It was the youngest squad to leave Australia, prompting commentators to label the team 'Woodfull's kindergarten'. After losing the first Test, Woodfull scored a century as Australia levelled the series and they won the fifth Test to regain the Ashes. Woodfull ended the tour with six first-class centuries. In 1931–32 Woodfull had his most successful Test series in his career, against South Africa, scoring 421 runs at 70.17, including his Test highest score of 161. In 1932–33, controversy erupted during England's tour of Australia. The visitors used bodyline tactics. Woodfull was felled by a blow to the heart, almost provoking a riot. After Woodfull was dismissed, English manager Plum Warner came to privately express his sympathy, to which Woodfull famously replied 'I do not want to see you, Mr Warner. There are two teams out there. One is playing cricket and the other is not.' England completed a convincing 4–1 victory, but Woodfull was much praised for his stoic public behaviour. In 1934, Woodfull led the Australians back to England for a tour that was to mend relations. The Australians won 2–1, and Woodfull remain

In Their Own Story

The air at Melbourne Cricket Ground was thick with tension and the smell of wet earth. A fast bowler from England wound up, releasing a ball that screamed toward Woodfull's ribs. The crowd held its breath as the leather connected with a sickening thud. Blood trickled down his side, but Bill did not flinch. He adjusted his pads, wiped his brow, and raised his bat to face the next delivery, his silence speaking louder than any shout of defiance.

Reader's Guide

Woodfull batted in a manner which had little aesthetic pleasure or grace. Affected by a bout of rheumatic fever in childhood, he had stiff-jointed style, and played with little noticeable backlift. Despite this, he scored consistently through good placement and powerful drives generated by his strong forearms. He was known for playing with a straight bat and a close watch on the ball, which were the core features of a strong defensive ability. His defensive prowess yielded names such as 'the unbowlable' and 'wormkiller'. He was also known for his reliability in crisis match situations, leading to epithets such as 'The Rock' and 'Old Steadfast'. Woodfull formed an opening partnership with Bill Ponsford at state and international level which yielded 18 century opening stands. As a captain, Woodfull was known for his courage and high moral principles in the face of the bodyline series. He was known for his gentlemanly nature and his adherence to the spirit of the game. Although Woodfull was a devout Methodist, he would show a deep concern in the personal welfare of all players, which extended to finding the location of the nearest Catholic Church for those teammates who followed the religion.

Did You Know?

• Woodfull was a mathematics teacher and later became headmaster at his alma mater, Melbourne High School.
• His opening pairing with Bill Ponsford for both Victoria and Australia remains one of the most successful in history.
• Woodfull is one of several Australian captains to regain the Ashes twice.