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Bill Woodfull's 1932-33 Bodyline Tour Photograph Album: A Large…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
15-Feb-2011
Lot No.
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Description:
Bill Woodfull's 1932-33 Bodyline Tour Photograph Album: A Large Photograph Album, very well annotated in Woodfull’s own hand, with photographs (126), including the Bodyline tour (84); noted a beautiful photograph titled ‘Village Cricket - England’; 1930 Ashes tour (2); 1933-34 Sheffield Shield, District & Test Trial matches (28); group of 1934 family photos (9); 1934 Ashes tour (2); NZ racehorse Woodfull. The Bodyline photographs include some wonderful action shots, and some interesting shots showing the leg theory field. Other highlights are Woodfull being carried in by the crowd at the close of the 2nd Test at the Mcg; and Woodfull being felled by a Larwood blow over the heart in the 3rd Test at Adelaide. A unique and extensive record of the tour through the eyes of the Australian captain. In 1932-33, great controversy erupted during England's tour of Australia. The visitors, captained by Douglas Jardine used ‘Bodyline’ tactics, persistently aiming at the upper bodies and heads of the Australian batsmen in the hope of stifling the hosts' strong batting line-up. The Australian public and cricket community abhorred the tactic, but Woodfull refused to retaliate or complain publicly, despite some of his players wanting to do so. After the First Test, which Australia lost heavily, Woodfull was not confirmed as captain until just before the start of the next match, prompting speculation that the Australian Board of Control might remove him for refusing to retaliate. The controversy peaked during the Third Test at the Adelaide Oval. 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.’ The comment was leaked to the media and caused an uproar. After a teammate suffered a fractured skull, the Australian Board formally complained to English administrators about whether Bodyline was sporting. This prompted threats of a trade boycott and a tour cancellation, so the Australian Board retracted. England completed a convincing 4-1 victory, but Woodfull was much praised for his stoic public behaviour. The Australian captain batted for 20 hours during the series, defying the bruising bowling for a longer time than any of his compatriots). Exceptional condition and of the utmost importance. Provenance: The Woodfull family, by descent. (See Photos)
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified