Bill Woodfull

William Maldon Woodfull was an Australian cricketer of the 1920s and 1930s. He captained both Victoria and Australia, and was best known for his dignified and moral conduct during the tumultuous bodyline series in 1932–33. Trained as a schoolteacher, Woodfull was known for his benevolent attitude towards his players, and his patience and defensive technique as an opening batsman. Woodfull was not a flamboyant player, but was known for his calm, unruffled style and his reliability in difficult situations. His opening pairing with fellow Victorian Bill Ponsford for both his state and Australia remains one of the most successful in history. While not known for his tactical skills, Woodfull was widely admired by his players and observers for his sportsmanship and ability to mould a successful and loyal team through the strength of his character.

22 August 1897

Born on the same birth day (22 August): Annie Proulx • Carl Yastrzemski • Charles Percier • Collin Raye • Craig Finn • Edward Rowe Snow • Holly Dunn • Howie Dorough • John Forrest • Lautaro Martínez • Matt Walters • Rodrigo Santoro • Valery Alekseyev (anthropologist) • Vernon Reid

Born in the same month (August 1897): Fred Rose (songwriter) • Henry F. Pringle • Jack Haley • John W. Galbreath • Karl-Otto Koch • Louise Bogan • Maurice Fernandes • Max Weber (Swiss politician) • Tarjei Vesaas