Bill Woodfull's 1930 Ashes Tour Photograph Album

Bill Woodfull's 1930 Ashes Tour Photograph Album, A large photograph album (34 x 52.5 cm), very well annotated in Woodfull's hand, with 200+ photographs including the highlight, a photograph of Don Bradman walking out to bat at Leeds (for his record 334), signed and endorsed 'To Billy Woodfull, in appreciation of a fine Captain and a wonderful fellow. Sincerely Yours, Don Bradman, Leeds 1930'. The collection includes many action photographs, incredible crowd scenes, meeting King George V and of course, Don Bradman during his first record-breaking tour. Other highlights include the Airship R101 over Lords during the Second Test, Woodfull walking out to bat with Bill Ponsford, Don Bradman with Archie Jackson, a panoramic photograph in 3 parts during the Second Test at Lords, Woodfull being chaired from the ground after winning the Second Test, a panoramic photograph in 3 parts of the Third Test at Headingley, a panoramic photograph in 4 parts of the Fourth Test at Old Trafford, a panoramic photograph of Kennington Oval before the Fifth Test and another panoramic during the match, J.B.Hobbs' final Test appearance, with teh Australians doffing their caps. An unique and extensive record of the tour through the eyes of the Australian Captain, with the majority of the images not previously published. Woodfull had reluctantly become captain in 1930 when Jack Ryder was dropped, and his team was derided as the worst Australian squad to tour England. It was the youngest squad to leave Australia, and only four of the fifteen players had prior experience in England, prompting commentators to label the team 'Woodfull's kindegarten'. 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. He captained both Victoria and Australia, and was best known for his dignified and moral conduct during the tumultuous Bodyline series in 1932?33 that almost saw the end of Anglo-Australian cricketing ties. Trained as a schoolteacher, Woodfull (1897 - 1965) was known for his benevolent attitude towards his players, and his patience and defensive technique as an opening batsman. Provenance: The Woodfull family, by descent.