Bill Woodfull

Lore & Background

Trained as a schoolteacher, Woodfull was known for his benevolent attitude towards his players, and his patience and defensive technique as an opening batsman. His opening pairing with fellow Victorian Bill Ponsford for both his state and Australia remains one of the most successful in history. Woodfull reluctantly became captain in 1930 when Jack Ryder was dropped, and his team was derided as the worst Australian squad to tour England. After losing the first Test, Woodfull scored a century as Australia levelled the series and they won the fifth Test to regain the Ashes. In 1934, Woodfull led the Australians back to England for a tour that was to mend relations. The Australians won 2–1, and Woodfull was the first captain to regain the Ashes twice, a feat later matched by Allan Border and Ricky Ponting. Woodfull retired after the tour.

Reader's Guide

Woodfull batted in a manner which had little aesthetic pleasure or grace, with Wisden describing that 'at first sight, he gave the impression of being clumsy'. Affected by a bout of rheumatic fever in childhood, he had a stiff-jointed style and played with little noticeable backlift. Despite this, he scored consistently through good placement and powerful drives. He was known for playing with a straight bat and a close watch on the ball. 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'. 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.

Did You Know?

• Woodfull was a mathematics teacher and later became headmaster at his alma mater, Melbourne High School.
• He once refused to play an interstate match scheduled for Christmas Day due to his religious beliefs.
• Woodfull's opening partnership with Bill Ponsford yielded 17 century opening stands.
• The opening pair of Woodfull and Ponsford was nicknamed 'Mutt and Jeff' by teammates after the famous comic strip duo.