The Twelfth Man 2020

Archive pionship win. In 1920, Waddington took a further 140 wickets, ‘having some ir- resistible days against the weaker coun- ties’, and was selected for the MCC tour of Australia. In 1921, he took 105 wick- ets, 132 in 1922 (including 7-6 against Sussex and eight wickets in an innings three times) and 65 in 1923, when he missed some of the season with an in- jury which almost ended his career. He was never quite the same when he re- turned. In 1924, he took 61 wickets, 105 in 1925, 78 in 1926 and 45 in his final season for the county. Yet, there was far more to Waddington than numbers. From the start, he was considered a stylish cricketer on and off the field. A formidably athletic field- er, he was one of the ‘most captivating bowlers to watch who ever spread en- tertainment on a sunlight field’. He be- gan his run ‘with a frisky kick’ and then ‘waltzed’ to the wicket ‘with a movement so rhythmical and infectious’. Waddington was also a big personality. Jack Hobbs called him one of the most popular men he knew, and Herbert Sut- cliffe wrote that in any dressing-room discussion ‘Abe generally ruled it, to all intents and purposes, the chairman.’ Wally Hammond recalled he was a man with a ‘natural gift for flowery expres- sion’, whilst one reporter considered he ‘carries an air of opulence and hearty good feeling towards himself and the rest of the world’. This swagger was reflected in a taste for Saville Row suits and monogrammed silk shirts. Waddington was clearly his own man. After he had burst onto the county cricket scene, the Yorkshire committee minutes recorded simply that ‘circum- stances had arisen which necessitated the giving of cap to Waddington. Action confirmed.’ A plausible interpretation of this is that he had indicated he had oth- er opportunities available. His self-as- surance was also evident in his personal life. When he married the daughter of a well-known Bradford businessman, journalists asked why no county col- league had attended. Waddington said it was simple - none knew he was get- ting married. Waddington could also be a fiery char- acter. Often reckless on a motor-cycle, he came off the road and appeared in court for speeding several times. Tony Woodhouse commented that captains ‘found him difficult to keep under con- trol’ and his lack of deference antago- nised some. On one occasion, whilst telling a story to fellow professionals, he repeatedly referred to E.R.Wilson (the Yorkshire amateur) as ‘Rockley’. After a while, his captain, the amateur J.W.H.T. Douglas said ‘a little less of the Rockley please’. Surprised, Waddington said ‘Why not? He calls me Abe.’ ‘Who calls you Abe?’ asked Douglas. ‘Why, Percy George?’ said Waddington, referring to another amateur, P.G.H. Fender. Waddington also had a track record for disputing umpiring decisions. In 1920, in Australia, when he was run out, he ar- gued with the umpire while the crowd hooted. Similarly, in 1922, he reportedly Abe Waddington bowling “ Yet, there was far more to Waddington than numbers. From the start, he was considered a stylish cricketer on and off the field. A formidably athletic fielder, he was one of the ‘most captivating bowlers to watch who ever spread entertainment on a sunlight field’.