Abe Waddington

Abraham ‘Abe’ Waddington: A Tale of Cricket and Controversy

Abe Waddington, born on February 4, 1893, was a professional cricketer for Yorkshire who played two Test matches for England against Australia in 1920-21. His career was marked by both triumph and controversy, leaving an indelible mark on the history of cricket.

Early Career and Debut

Imagine stepping onto a cricket field after the First World War—what would your first match feel like? For Abe Waddington, it was a baptism by fire. He made his debut in 1919, taking 4 for 26 against Lancashire and following up with 9 wickets against Essex. These early performances set the stage for what was to come.

Form and Partnership

In 1920, Yorkshire struggled again but Waddington’s performance improved, taking 141 wickets at an average of 16.79. He was selected for the MCC tour to Australia and became a leading bowler before the team lost all five Test matches. The journey to Australia was fraught with challenges, both on and off the field. Critics predicted weak bowling due to hard pitches favoring batting, but Waddington’s performance was anything but predictable.

Test Matches and Criticism

During his first Test match, Waddington took his only Test wicket for 119 runs and ended the tour with seven wickets at an average of 46.71. The press criticized Douglas for using Waddington to bowl defensive spells rather than targeting wickets. Was he a failure? Or was it just that the team needed him more in those defensive roles?

Recovery and Decline

In 1921, Waddington’s form was poor with the introduction of George Macaulay giving him support. However, he recovered in 1922, taking 133 wickets at an average of 16.08 and bowling effectively in important matches. Yet, in July 1923, Waddington suffered a shoulder injury after slipping on wet grass during a match against Leicestershire. The injury required surgery and ended his season apart from one match against Lancashire. Before the injury, he took 65 wickets at 18.23 in 1923 and scored his best figures with the bat.

Final Seasons and Legacy

In his final season, Waddington’s bowling declined, but he scored his only first-class century and took 45 wickets. Despite this decline, Waddington was offered a new contract and turned it down, ending his county cricket career. His legacy is one of a bowler who had the potential to be great but was often hampered by injuries and controversies on the field. He took 852 wickets at an average of 19.75 and scored 2527 runs at an average of 12.89 in all first-class matches.

Post-Cricket Life

Abe Waddington’s career was affected by the injuries and controversies that followed. He never regained his former effectiveness as a bowler, and his appearances for Yorkshire were marked by disputes on the field. After retiring from cricket, he took over the family business, maintained friendships with fellow players, and made several trips to Australia. His love of fast cars brought him trouble with the police, but he was successful in other sports, including amateur football, golf, and motorcycling. During World War II, Waddington worked for the Ministry of Food and was later charged with conspiracy to defraud the government, but was acquitted after a judge ruled that it couldn’t be proven he knew about the altered letter or was involved in the scheme.

Waddington was married twice, first to Mabel Fawell in 1925, then to Doris Garforth in 1952. He died on October 28, 1959, at the age of 66. Woodhouse, Anthony (1989). The History of Yorkshire County Cricket Club. London: Christopher Helm. ISBN 0-7470-3408-7.

Abraham ‘Abe’ Waddington’s career was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, filled with moments that defined not just his own legacy but also the history of cricket in England. His story is one of a player who had the potential to be great but faced numerous challenges both on and off the field. Despite these obstacles, he left an indelible mark on the game, remembered for his bowling action and his distinctive personality.