Yorkshire Post and Leeds Intelligencer – Wednesday 22 October 1947

Wardle Hopes to Go to West Indies

John H. Wardle, the 24-year-old Yorkshire left-arm slow bowler, has been chosen to go with the M.C.C. cricket team to the West Indies this winter.

Wardle, who is a fitter at Cortonwood Colliery, near Wombwell, is, like Smithson, the left-handed batsman about whose chances making the trip the M.C.C. remain hopeful, subject to the Control Engagement Order, but unlike Smithson he is not a Bevin boy

” I shall have to apply to the National Coal Board for leave absence, but I don’t anticipate much trouble getting permission to go.” said Wardle, yesterday, adding that the colliery manager had promised every assistance his getting leave.

Wardle is a native of Ardslev, married, and has two sons. He lives at West Melton.

Wardle played cricket at Wath Grammar School and afterwards with Denaby, Hickleton Main and Cortonwood in the Yorkshire Council and with Eccleshill in the Bradford League.

He had one match with Yorkshire in 1946 but last summer when was awarded a county cap he took 86 wickets at average cost of 25.46.