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'''Bruce Yardley''' (5 September 1947 – 27 March 2019) was an [[Australia]]n [[cricket]]er. He played for the [[Australia national cricket team|national team]] in 33 [[Test cricket|Tests]] and seven [[One Day International|ODI]]s from 1978 to 1983. He was best known for his off-spin bowling. In total, he bowled 126 Test wickets. He was a right-handed batsman, and scored four Test half-centuries. As a fielder, he took 31 catches in his 33 Tests. He also played for the [[Western Australia cricket team]]. He later coached the [[Sri Lanka cricket team|Sri Lanka]] and [[Singapore national cricket team|Singapore]] national teams.
{{short description|Australian cricketer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2012}}{{Infobox cricketer
|                name = Bruce Yardley
|            fullname = Bruce Yardley  
|          birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1947|9|5}}
|  birth_place        = [[Midland, Western Australia]]
| death_date          = {{death date and age|2019|3|27|1947|9|5|df=y}}
|  death_place        = [[Kununurra, Western Australia]]
|  country            = Australia
|  batting            = Right-handed
|  bowling            = Right-arm medium<br />Right-arm off-spin
|      international = true
|      testdebutdate = 28 January
|      testdebutyear = 1978
|    testdebutagainst = India
|            testcap =
|        lasttestdate = 22 April
|        lasttestyear = 1983
|    lasttestagainst = Sri Lanka
|        odidebutdate = 12 April
|        odidebutyear = 1978
|    odidebutagainst = West Indies
|              odicap =
|        lastodidate = 30 April
|        lastodiyear = 1983
|      lastodiagainst = Sri Lanka
|              club1 = [[Western Australian cricket team|Western Australia]]
|              year1 = {{nowrap|1966/67–1989/90}}   
|            columns = 4
|            column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]
| matches1          = 33
| runs1              = 978
| bat avg1          = 19.55
| 100s/50s1          = 0/4
| top score1        = 74
| deliveries1        = 8909
| wickets1          = 126
| bowl avg1          = 31.63
| fivefor1          = 6
| tenfor1            = 1
| best bowling1      = 7/98
| catches/stumpings1 = 31/–
|            column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]
| matches2          = 7
| runs2              = 58
| bat avg2          = 14.50
| 100s/50s2          = 0/0
| top score2        = 28
| deliveries2        = 198
| wickets2          = 7
| bowl avg2          = 18.57
| fivefor2          = 0
| tenfor2            = 0
| best bowling2      = 3/28
| catches/stumpings2 = 1/–
|            column3 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]
|            matches3 = 105
|              runs3 = 2,738
|            bat avg3 = 20.58
|          100s/50s3 = 0/8
|          top score3 = 97[[not out|*]]
|        deliveries3 = 9,698
|            wickets3 = 344
|          bowl avg3 = 28.19
|            fivefor3 = 20
|            tenfor3 = 3
|      best bowling3 = 7/44
|  catches/stumpings3 = 63/–
|            column4 = [[List A cricket|LA]]
|            matches4 = 31
|              runs4 = 358
|            bat avg4 = 18.84
|          100s/50s4 = 0/1
|          top score4 = 59[[not out|*]]
|        deliveries4 = 1,365
|            wickets4 = 30
|          bowl avg4 = 29.73
|            fivefor4 = 1
|            tenfor4 = 0
|      best bowling4 = 5/58
|  catches/stumpings4 = 8/–
|                date = 10 February
|                year = 2015
|              source = http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/player/8449.html Cricinfo
}}


Yardley was born in [[Midland, Western Australia|Midland]], [[Western Australia]]. He died of [[cancer]] on 27 March 2019 in [[Kununurra, Western Australia]], at the age of 71.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/former-australian-cricketer-bruce-yardley-dies-20190327-p5186e.html|title=In age of fast men, the late Bruce Yardley put his own spin on fame|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=27 March 2019|accessdate=28 March 2019|author=Baum, Greg}}</ref>
'''Bruce Yardley''' (5 September 1947 – 27 March 2019) was an Australian [[cricket]]er who played in 33 [[Test cricket|Test matches]] and seven [[One Day International]]s between 1978 and 1983, taking 126 Test wickets.
 
Known to his teammates as 'Roo', Yardley was an [[off-spin]] [[bowler (cricket)|bowler]] who began as a fast-medium pace seamer. In his late 20s Yardley switched to off-spin and had success at club and then state level. His technique was slightly unusual in that he bowled at near [[Medium pace bowling|medium pace]], spinning the ball off his middle finger rather than the index finger like conventional off-spinners. A handy number-eight batsman who scored four Test half-centuries his batting was often characterised by a "Yardley yahoo" over the top of slips which opposition teams sometimes attempted to counter by using a fly slip. Yardley was an exceptional fielder in the gully region taking 31 catches in his 33 Tests including a number of spectacular efforts. He was also the recipient of some fine fielding being the bowler when [[John Dyson (cricketer, born 1954)|John Dyson]] took his catch of the century to dismiss [[West Indies cricket team|West Indian]] [[Sylvester Clarke]].
 
In the early 1980s Yardley was Australia's first-choice spinner; during this period he took most of his 126 Test wickets, including a Test-best of 7/98 against the [[West Indies cricket team|West Indies]] at [[Sydney Cricket Ground|Sydney]] in 1981/82. It was for this and other eye-catching performances that he was named the 1981/1982 Benson and Hedges International Cricketer of the Year, winning a new sports car.
 
However he had to purchase this car from his fellow players from that year. The car was put into the team's prize pool with other prizes which included cash which at the end of the year was divided depending on how much you played.
 
Despite his fine all-round cricket game he was rarely considered for One Day Internationals and in 1981 he was controversially left out of the Ashes squad which toured England ([[Stuart MacGill]], Yardley and fellow [[Western Australia|West Australian]] [[Bruce Reid]] are the only three bowlers to take 100 wickets for Australia without playing a Test there). Yardley participated in Australia's first tour of [[Sri Lanka cricket team|Sri Lanka]] in 1983 and took seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul, in what proved to be his final Test.
 
After retiring from competitive cricket Yardley remained involved in the sport as a coach and media commentator. In 1997 he was appointed coach of the Sri Lankan national team. A long-time admirer and supporter of Sri Lankan record breaking off-spinner [[Muttiah Muralitharan]] it was Yardley who encouraged Murali to add the [[doosra]] to his arsenal. He was always adamant that Murali was not a chucker.
 
Yardley spent several years as Regional Cricket Officer for the [[Western Australian Cricket Association]] which involved responsibility for promoting cricket and increasing participation in the South West region through school visits/programs and cricket carnivals. He was a regular cricket commentator on TV and radio.
 
==Career==
Yardley began playing grade cricket with Midland-Guildford as a fast medium bowler.
 
He made his [[first-class cricket]] debut in 1966–67, taking one wicket against [[Queensland cricket team|Queensland]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/28/28555.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref> However West Australia were blessed with fast bowlers during this period and he struggled to find a permanent spot, only playing in two games over six seasons. (The second game came against Victoria at the WACA in 1970–71.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/31/31457.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref>)
 
In 1971 Yardley began developing his abilities as a spin bowler and worked on his batting. He gained selection for WA as a batsman in 1973–74.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/33/33958.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref> He scored 43 not out against the touring New Zealanders in 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/33/33971.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref> He would occasionally bowl as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/33/33981.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref>
 
In 1973–74 he scored a quick fire 59 in a Gillette Cup game, helping WA beat NSW.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110759828 |title=GILLETTE CUP WA in knockout win. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=4 February 1974 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
In 1974–75 he played for West Australia primarily as a batsman.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/34/34735.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref>
 
After a decade in First-Class cricket Yardley had 14 First-Class matches, scoring 246 runs at 14.47 and picking up six wickets at 61.83. He had bowled only 923 deliveries (153.5 six-ball overs).
 
===Emergence as spin bowler===
1976–77 was Yardley's breakthrough season as he became a full-time spinner.  He took 2–44 and 3–40 against South Australia, also scoring a useful 35 runs. Two games later against NSW he took 6–62 then made 97 not out.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131795849 |title=Spinner leads WA recovery. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=15 November 1976 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
For the season he scored 171 runs at 28.50 and picked up 19 wickets at 25.73.
 
===1977–78 Test bowler===
In 1977–78 the Australian Test team had lost a number of its leading players to [[World Series Cricket]]. [[Tony Mann (cricketer)|Tony Mann]] was tried as a spinner but was dropped after four Tests.
 
Yardley had a strong domestic season. He scored 51 in 65 minutes in a game against South Australia, then took 7–44.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131707296 |title=Wood helps place WA in front. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=2 January 1978 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131707418 |title=SHEFFIELD SHIELD TABLE. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=3 January 1978 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> This saw him leap into contention for the spinner's spot for the fifth Test, the other contenders being [[Jim Higgs]] and [[Graham Whyte]].
 
Yardley ended up being selected for both the fifth Test against India and the tour of West Indies.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131710934 |title=Five dropped for next Test TOURING TEAM. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=21 January 1978 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
Yardley's Test debut was promising. One of four Australians playing in their first Test, he made useful scores of 22 and 26 and although he went wicketless in the first innings, took 4–134 in the second, helping bowl Australia to victory.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131713781 |title=Australia wins Test series But India battles all the way. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=4 February 1978 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17138/scorecard/63199/australia-vs-india-5th-test-india-tour-of-australia-1977-78|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 5th Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
===1978 tour of the West Indies===
Yardley enjoyed considerable success in the West Indies, forming a notable spin combination with [[Jim Higgs]].
 
He began the tour well, taking five wickets against Leeward Islands, including a second innings return of 4–91.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/37/37864.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131717409 |title=Thomson fit for one-day match. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=22 February 1978 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He followed this up with nine wickets against Trinidad and Tobago, 4–51 and 5–89.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/37/37885.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref>
 
This saw him selected in the first Test to team with Higgs. He took three wickets, but Australia lost by an innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17128/scorecard/63206/west-indies-vs-australia-1st-test-australia-tour-of-west-indies-1977-78|title=Full Scorecard of West Indies vs Australia 1st Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
There was some discussion Yardley would miss the second Test<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110887763 |title=Seven batsmen are under consideration for Test. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=16 March 1978 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> but he ended up playing. Yardley had an excellent game with the bat, scoring 74 off 73 runs in Australia's first innings and 47 in the second. He only bowled two overs, in another Australian defeat.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17128/scorecard/63207/west-indies-vs-australia-2nd-test-australia-tour-of-west-indies-1977-78|title=Full Scorecard of West Indies vs Australia 2nd Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
Yardley went wicketless in a tour game against Guyana and was injured while batting, retiring hurt for 37.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/37/37915.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref> He recovered to play in the third Test which was an Australian victory. He took three wickets and made 33 and 15 not out; the latter innings was especially crucial as it helped Australia pass the West Indies total. He did find however that [[Bob Simpson (cricketer)|Bob Simpson]] often preferred to bowl himself rather than Yardley.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17128/scorecard/63208/west-indies-vs-australia-3rd-test-australia-tour-of-west-indies-1977-78|title=Full Scorecard of West Indies vs Australia 3rd Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
Yardley took six wickets in a game against Windward Islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/37/37919.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref> In the 4th Test Yardley took 1–48 and 4–40 but Australia collapsed in their second innings and lost the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17128/scorecard/63209/west-indies-vs-australia-4th-test-australia-tour-of-west-indies-1977-78|title=Full Scorecard of West Indies vs Australia 4th Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
====Throwing controversy====
Yardley encountered controversy in a tour match against Jamaica when he was twice no-balled for throwing by umpire [[Douglas Sang Hue]].<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1301&dat=19780425&id=gtYjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=e-YDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3243,8160763 Contemporary newspaper report from ''Sydney Morning Herald''] accessed 2 March 2015</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110893860 |title=Higgs to rescue after Yardley called chucker. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=24 April 1978 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> It marred a fine game for him as he took 5–63 in the second innings and his score of 15 with the bat helped Australia win by two wickets.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Scorecards/37/37930.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|website=cricketarchive.com}}</ref>
 
In the fifth Test Yardley almost bowled Australia to victory with second innings figures of 4–35 but the game ended in a riot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17128/scorecard/63210/west-indies-vs-australia-5th-test-australia-tour-of-west-indies-1977-78|title=Full Scorecard of West Indies vs Australia 5th Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/350489/rumble-in-jamaica |title=Rumble in Jamaica |website=The Cricket Monthly |publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]}}</ref>
 
Yardley finished the series with 206 runs at 29.42 and 15 wickets at 25.13. He was easily one of the teams best performers on tour and now firmly established as the first choice off spinner.
 
===1978–79 Ashes===
Yardley kept his place for the first Test of the 78–79 Ashes. He had a poor game, only taking one wicket, although a first innings score at 17 did arrest an Australian collapse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17115/scorecard/63220/australia-vs-england-1st-test-england-tour-of-australia-1978-79|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 1st Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
His batting ensured he kept his place in the second Test over Higgs; he took four wickets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17115/scorecard/63221/australia-vs-england-2nd-test-england-tour-of-australia-1978-79|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 2nd Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> Yardley was not selected for the next two games. He was recalled for the fifth Test, in which he took no wickets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17115/scorecard/63224/australia-vs-england-5th-test-england-tour-of-australia-1978-79|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 5th Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
In the sixth Test, Yardley took two wickets although he top scored in Australia's second innings with a knock of 61.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17115/scorecard/63225/australia-vs-england-6th-test-england-tour-of-australia-1978-79|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 6th Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> He and Higgs famously opened the bowling together in England's second innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/403624.html|title=Australia's old new ball|date=9 May 2009|website=Cricinfo}}</ref>
 
===Pakistan===
Yardley was dropped again for Australia's next game, the first Test against Pakistan, in favour of [[Peter Sleep]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110933310 |title=SPORTS SECTION. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=6 March 1979 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=1 Section: SPORTS SECTION |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Australia lost this game and Yardley was recalled for the next game.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110935421 |title=Four dropped from Australia's team. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=17 March 1979 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=41 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He only took one wicket but the game resulted in a rare Australian victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17094/scorecard/63236/australia-vs-pakistan-2nd-test-pakistan-tour-of-australia-1978-79|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
Yardley was overlooked for selection for the [[1979 Cricket World Cup]] in favour of [[Graeme Porter]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110939212 |title=Cup squad surprises. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=7 April 1979 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=45 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> however he was selected to tour India in 1979.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110568526 |title=Wood back for tour of India. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=19 July 1979 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=30 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
===1979 tour of India===
Yardley toured India in 1979. He was made 12th man for the first Test.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110596708 |title=LATE NEWS Australian Test team. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=11 September 1979 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=1 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He returned to the side for the second test, making 47 as nightwatchman then taking 4–107 before illness meant he was too sick to bowl.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110600270 |title=CRICKET Australia trails India as Test drawn. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=25 September 1979 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=20 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17069/scorecard/63242/india-vs-australia-2nd-test-australia-tour-of-india-1979-80|title=Full Scorecard of India vs Australia 2nd Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
He was kept on in the team for the third Test, taking only two wickets; he was called upon to open Australia's first innings and made 29.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17069/scorecard/63243/india-vs-australia-3rd-test-australia-tour-of-india-1979-80|title=Full Scorecard of India vs Australia 3rd Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> A [[Kapil Dev]] yorker broke his foot in the second innings, ruling him out for the fourth Test.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110604826 |title=Yardley out with foot injury. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=12 October 1979 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He missed three games but returned for the fifth test, Kim Hughes saying the cricketer was "a must" for the team.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110608658 |title=CRICKET Yardley fit to play in Test. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=26 October 1979 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=22 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Yardley responded to his captain's faith by scoring 61 off 70 balls in Australia's first innings and taking 4–91.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17069/scorecard/63245/india-vs-australia-5th-test-australia-tour-of-india-1979-80|title=Full Scorecard of India vs Australia 5th Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
Yardley failed a fitness Test and was omitted for the sixth Test, replaced by Peter Sleep.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110965806 |title=CRICKET Indians pile on runs in Test. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=4 November 1979 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=30 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
===Form slump===
Yardley suffered a form slump at the beginning of the 1979–80 domestic season, which saw him only make 58 runs in five innings, and was dropped from the West Australian side.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110974265 |title=Overwhelming victory for W. Indies. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=18 December 1979 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=22 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
He later contracted a virus which affected his health so badly he dropped out of cricket altogether for a while to recover.<ref name="bruce">{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125648429 |title=Yardley a prospect for tour. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=22 January 1981 |access-date=5 December 2014 |page=28 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
===1980–81 comeback===
Yardley had a return to form during the 1980–81 season. He made 78 in a game against Queensland<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126155921 |title=WA recovers in Brisbane; Thomson has early pace. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=1 November 1980 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=42 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> then took 5–85 against South Australia<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126165908 |title=W.A v S.A. Snatched win in final session. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=24 December 1980 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> and 7–62 and 4–36 against Tasmania.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125647678 |title=TASMANIA v WESTERN AUSTRALIA WA at 0–100 in good position. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=18 January 1981 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=22 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
This form – he was the second highest wicket taker in the Sheffield Shield that season at the time – saw him recalled to the Australian side for the test against India, replacing [[Shaun Graf]]; once again he was in the squad alongside Jim Higgs.<ref name="bruce"/> Yardley ended up being preferred to Higgs in the game, taking 2–90 and 1–25, as Australia failed to bowl out India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17045/scorecard/63280/australia-vs-india-2nd-test-india-tour-of-australia-1980-81|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 2nd Test 1981 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
Yardley and Higgs played together in the next Test. Yardley had better figures, taking 2-45 and 2-65, but Australia's batters collapsed in the second innings and India won the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17045/scorecard/63281/australia-vs-india-3rd-test-india-tour-of-australia-1980-81|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 3rd Test 1981 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
Towards the end of the summer, Yardley's 3-40 against Queensland in a crucial game helped WA win the Shield.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126826426 |title=W.A. v QUEENSLAND Bowling trio crushes star Shield bats in 'grand-final' game. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=8 March 1981 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=8 Section: BLACK OPAL SOUVENIR 1981 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
Yardley was overlooked for the 1981 Ashes despite being the third highest first class wicket-taker that summer, with 47 wickets at 25.38. The spinners chosen to go to England both had less wickets than Yardley: [[Graeme Beard]] (29) and [[Ray Bright]] (22).<ref>[https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Seasons/Seasonal_Averages/AUS/1980-81_f_Bowling_by_Wickets.html Australian first class wicket takers for 1980-81] at CricketArchive</ref>
 
===International Cricketer of the Year===
Yardley's greatest season came in 1981–82.
 
He started well with 4-54 against South Australia<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126852864 |title=W. Australia's flying start. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=20 October 1981 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=20 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> and was picked in the Australian 12 for the first Test against Pakistan over [[Ray Bright]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126856043 |title=CRICKET Chappell returns to lead Australia in first Test. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=5 November 1981 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=24 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Yardley rewarded the selectors taking 6-84 in Pakistan's second innings.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126859023 |title=Yardley mops up as Australia cruises home. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=18 November 1981 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=42 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17026/scorecard/63295/australia-vs-pakistan-1st-test-pakistan-tour-of-australia-1981-82|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test 1981 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
He then took 1-51 and 4-77 in the second Test, contributing to another Australian victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17026/scorecard/63296/australia-vs-pakistan-2nd-test-pakistan-tour-of-australia-1981-82|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test 1981 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126862399 |title=CRICKET Batsmen to blame — Miandad. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=2 December 1981 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=50 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
For the third Test Yardley's figures were 7-187, earning him the man of the match award – but Australia lost the game by an innings.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126865035 |title=CRICKET Pakistan, with 500, stave off a defeat. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=13 December 1981 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=17 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17026/scorecard/63297/australia-vs-pakistan-3rd-test-pakistan-tour-of-australia-1981-82|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test 1981 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
Australia then played the West Indies. The first game was the famous Boxing Day Test, best remembered for Kim Hughes' century. Yardley took 4-38 in their second innings<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126868700 |title=CRICKET Bowlers swing Test balance. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=30 December 1981 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> helping considerably to an Australian victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17023/scorecard/63304/australia-vs-west-indies-1st-test-west-indies-tour-of-australia-1981-82|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs West Indies 1st Test 1981 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> "Bruce bowled better than at any time I have seen him before", said Greg Chappell. "He is a great spin-bowler because he attacks the batsman and that is an asset that is rare among spinners".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126868780 |title=CRICKET Test was match of many highlights. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=31 December 1981 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
In the second Test he took 3-87 and 7-98, and hit 45 off 33 balls, giving Australia an outside chance of winning the game, but it ended in a draw.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126869909 |title=CRICKET Spin 'magic' revives Australia's hopes. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=6 January 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=32 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17023/scorecard/63305/australia-vs-west-indies-2nd-test-west-indies-tour-of-australia-1981-82|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs West Indies 2nd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
For the third Test, Yardley took 5-132 in the West Indies' first innings but no wickets in the second, as Australia lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17023/scorecard/63306/australia-vs-west-indies-3rd-test-west-indies-tour-of-australia-1981-82|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs West Indies 3rd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
Yardley was not selected in Australia's one day side for the latter part of the summer.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126871248 |title=CRICKET Australian one-day fortunes bleak. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=12 January 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> However he was voted [[International Cricketer of the Year]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126876206 |title=Award for Yardley. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=4 February 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=20 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
===1982 Tour of New Zealand===
Yardley and Ray Bright were the two spinners on the 1982 tour of New Zealand.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126876590 |title=CRICKET Six batsmen, six bowlers to tour NZ. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=5 February 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=16 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
Yardley took 3-49 in the rain shortened first Test.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17011/scorecard/63308/new-zealand-vs-australia-1st-test-australia-tour-of-new-zealand-1981-82|title=Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> He took 4-142 and 2-40 in the second Test, frequently clashing with the New Zealand umpires, in a game Australia lost.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126909715 |title=CRICKET Bowlers back in control. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=15 March 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=22 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17011/scorecard/63309/new-zealand-vs-australia-2nd-test-australia-tour-of-new-zealand-1981-82|title=Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> They had their revenge in the next game which Australia won; Yardley was not required to bowl in New Zealand's first innings but his 4-80 in the second helped considerably in securing an Australian victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/17011/scorecard/63310/new-zealand-vs-australia-3rd-test-australia-tour-of-new-zealand-1981-82|title=Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs Australia 3rd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
===1982 Tour of Pakistan===
Yardley was then selected on the tour to Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article126912330 |title=Kim Hughes to lead Pakistan-tour team. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=26 March 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=22 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He played in the first Test, scoring a pair and only taking one wicket.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16978/scorecard/63321/pakistan-vs-australia-1st-test-australia-tour-of-pakistan-1982-83|title=Full Scorecard of Pakistan vs Australia 1st Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
He then fell sick with a virus and was replaced in the second by [[Peter Sleep]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116472963 |title=CRICKET Yardley ill, Sleep may be named. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=30 September 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=28 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Yardley returned for the third Test, making a quick fire 40 in Australia's first innings and going for 1-102.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116475563 |title=CRICKET Test recall for Terry Alderman. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=14 October 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=28 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16978/scorecard/63323/pakistan-vs-australia-3rd-test-australia-tour-of-pakistan-1982-83|title=Full Scorecard of Pakistan vs Australia 3rd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
===1982–83 Ashes===
Yardley kept his spot in the Australian side against England in 1982–83.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130827054 |title=CRICKET Chappell captain, Hookes makes it. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=5 November 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He took 5-107 and 3-101 in the first Test.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16969/scorecard/63324/australia-vs-england-1st-test-england-tour-of-australia-1982-83|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 1st Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
After 5-68 against Tasmania<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130831540 |title=WA wraps up points. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=24 November 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=40 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> he scored 53 and took two wickets in the second Test.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130832840 |title=CRICKET Some 'help' but England battles. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=29 November 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16969/scorecard/63325/australia-vs-england-2nd-test-england-tour-of-australia-1982-83|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 2nd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> The third test saw him take three wickets.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16969/scorecard/63326/australia-vs-england-3rd-test-england-tour-of-australia-1982-83|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 3rd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
A thigh injury due to a Rodney Hogg delivery meant there was some doubt whether Yardley would play the fourth Test but he was fit in time.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130838257 |title=CRICKET New MCG wicket could be the Test. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=22 December 1982 |access-date=11 December 2014 |page=36 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Yardley took 4-89 in England's first innings.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16969/scorecard/63327/australia-vs-england-4th-test-england-tour-of-australia-1982-83|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 4th Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
In the fifth Test, Yardley took 4-139 in England's second innings but the Australian bowlers were unable to force a victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16969/scorecard/63328/australia-vs-england-5th-test-england-tour-of-australia-1982-83|title=Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 5th Test 1983 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref> He finished the series with 141 runs at 20.14 and 22 wickets at 36.07.
 
Yardley was dropped from the Australian one day side again towards the end of the summer.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116442861 |title=WA minus an unfit Lillee. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=14 January 1983 |access-date=12 December 2014 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He then took four wickets in a game against South Australia.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116453011 |title=Two WA spin bowlers send SA bats reeling. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=27 February 1983 |access-date=12 December 2014 |page=26 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
===End of Test career===
Yardley toured Sri Lanka in 1983.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116371545 |title=CRICKET In-form Yallop gains tour place. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=3 March 1983 |access-date=12 December 2014 |page=26 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> In the sole Test he took 5-88 and 2-78, bowling in conjunction with Tom Hogan, helping Australia win by an innings.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116381326 |title=CRICKET Australians spin to victory in Test. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=27 April 1983 |access-date=12 December 2014 |page=44 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/series/16952/scorecard/63342/sri-lanka-vs-australia-only-test-australia-tour-of-sri-lanka-1982-83|title=Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs Australia Only Test 1983 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com|website=ESPNcricinfo}}</ref>
 
After being overlooked for the [[1983 World Cup]] in favour of Tom Hogan,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131842417 |title=Trevor Chappell only surprise for Cup. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=6 May 1983 |access-date=12 December 2014 |page=22 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Yardley retired from first class cricket.
 
"I want people to understand the decision was not based on not being selected to go to England", said Yardley at the time. "I will be 36 in September and it's as good a time to retire as any. I will not even be playing club cricket."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131848574 |title=Yardley calls it a day. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=10 June 1983 |access-date=12 December 2014 |page=20 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
Since Yardley had been first selected for Australia, he had missed selection on every side picked to tour England – 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1983. (Although 1979 and 1983 were one-day tournaments, and his form had been poor in 1979–80).
 
===Comeback===
Yardley made a surprising{{to whom|date=March 2019}} comeback to First-Class cricket six-and-a-half years after his retirement when he was named in a Western Australian squad to tour India in 1989, at the age of 41.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122284087 |title=Step closer to surprise comeback. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=21 July 1989 |access-date=12 December 2014 |page=14 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
Yardley then played for WA against the touring New Zealanders, Victoria, NSW, and South Australia in the 1989-90 summer. He was criticised for abandoning a grade game to commentate with Channel Nine during a Test match.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120867758 |title=Yardley angers WA officials by joining Nine. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=20 December 1989 |access-date=12 December 2014 |page=49 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He took ten wickets at 37.60 then retired for good.
"I think I have bowled well enough to play Shield again, but the selectors won't pick me", Yardley said.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131177992 |title=Yardley quits at all levels. |newspaper=[[The Canberra Times]] |date=11 February 1990 |access-date=12 December 2014 |page=11 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
 
==Post retirement==
Yardley was appointed the Sri Lankan coach in 1997. He later coached [[Singapore national cricket team|Singapore]] at the [[2001 ICC Trophy]]
 
He coached Western Australia to their first [[Imparja Cup]] in 2009–10.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/448132.html|title=Western Australia claim Imparja Cup|date=14 February 2010|website=Cricinfo}}</ref>
 
Yardley died of cancer on 27 March 2019 in [[Kununurra, Western Australia]], at the age of 71.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/former-australian-cricketer-bruce-yardley-dies-20190327-p5186e.html|title=In age of fast men, the late Bruce Yardley put his own spin on fame|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=27 March 2019|access-date=28 March 2019|author=Baum, Greg}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|
url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/cricket/test-cricketer-bruce-yardley-dies-age-71-after-cancer-battle-ng-b881149030z|title=Test cricketer Bruce Yardley dies age 71 after cancer battle|work=[[The West Australian]]|date=27 March 2019|access-date=28 March 2019|author=Townsend, John}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==Other websites==
==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{cricinfo|id=8449}}
* [https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/1/1548/1548.html Bruce Yardley] at CricketArchive
 
{{Australian first-class cricket season leading wicket-takers (1950–51 to 1999–00)}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Yardley, Bruce}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yardley, Bruce}}
[[Category:1947 births]]
[[Category:1947 births]]
[[Category:2019 deaths]]
[[Category:2019 deaths]]
[[Category:Australia One Day International cricketers]]
[[Category:Australia Test cricketers]]
[[Category:Western Australia cricketers]]
[[Category:Australian cricket commentators]]
[[Category:Australian cricketers]]
[[Category:Australian cricketers]]
[[Category:Cancer deaths in Australia]]
[[Category:Cricketers from Perth, Western Australia]]
[[Category:Coaches]]
[[Category:Sportsmen from Western Australia]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Western Australia]]
[[Category:Australian cricket coaches]]
 
[[Category:Coaches of the Sri Lanka national cricket team]]
 
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Singapore]]
{{Sports-bio-stub}}
[[Category:Australian expatriate sportspeople in Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Coaches of the Singapore national cricket team]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in Western Australia]]

Revision as of 02:48, 1 February 2021

Bruce Yardley
Personal information
Full nameBruce Yardley
Born(1947-09-05)5 September 1947
Midland, Western Australia
Died27 March 2019(2019-03-27) (aged 71)
Kununurra, Western Australia
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight-arm medium
Right-arm off-spin
International information
National side
Test debut28 January 1978 v India
Last Test22 April 1983 v Sri Lanka
ODI debut12 April 1978 v West Indies
Last ODI30 April 1983 v Sri Lanka
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1966/67–1989/90Western Australia
Career statistics
Competition Test ODI FC LA
Matches 33 7 105 31
Runs scored 978 58 2,738 358
Batting average 19.55 14.50 20.58 18.84
100s/50s 0/4 0/0 0/8 0/1
Top score 74 28 97* 59*
Balls bowled 8909 198 9,698 1,365
Wickets 126 7 344 30
Bowling average 31.63 18.57 28.19 29.73
5 wickets in innings 6 0 20 1
10 wickets in match 1 0 3 0
Best bowling 7/98 3/28 7/44 5/58
Catches/stumpings 31/– 1/– 63/– 8/–
Source: Cricinfo, 10 February 2015

Bruce Yardley (5 September 1947 – 27 March 2019) was an Australian cricketer who played in 33 Test matches and seven One Day Internationals between 1978 and 1983, taking 126 Test wickets.

Known to his teammates as 'Roo', Yardley was an off-spin bowler who began as a fast-medium pace seamer. In his late 20s Yardley switched to off-spin and had success at club and then state level. His technique was slightly unusual in that he bowled at near medium pace, spinning the ball off his middle finger rather than the index finger like conventional off-spinners. A handy number-eight batsman who scored four Test half-centuries his batting was often characterised by a "Yardley yahoo" over the top of slips which opposition teams sometimes attempted to counter by using a fly slip. Yardley was an exceptional fielder in the gully region taking 31 catches in his 33 Tests including a number of spectacular efforts. He was also the recipient of some fine fielding being the bowler when John Dyson took his catch of the century to dismiss West Indian Sylvester Clarke.

In the early 1980s Yardley was Australia's first-choice spinner; during this period he took most of his 126 Test wickets, including a Test-best of 7/98 against the West Indies at Sydney in 1981/82. It was for this and other eye-catching performances that he was named the 1981/1982 Benson and Hedges International Cricketer of the Year, winning a new sports car.

However he had to purchase this car from his fellow players from that year. The car was put into the team's prize pool with other prizes which included cash which at the end of the year was divided depending on how much you played.

Despite his fine all-round cricket game he was rarely considered for One Day Internationals and in 1981 he was controversially left out of the Ashes squad which toured England (Stuart MacGill, Yardley and fellow West Australian Bruce Reid are the only three bowlers to take 100 wickets for Australia without playing a Test there). Yardley participated in Australia's first tour of Sri Lanka in 1983 and took seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul, in what proved to be his final Test.

After retiring from competitive cricket Yardley remained involved in the sport as a coach and media commentator. In 1997 he was appointed coach of the Sri Lankan national team. A long-time admirer and supporter of Sri Lankan record breaking off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan it was Yardley who encouraged Murali to add the doosra to his arsenal. He was always adamant that Murali was not a chucker.

Yardley spent several years as Regional Cricket Officer for the Western Australian Cricket Association which involved responsibility for promoting cricket and increasing participation in the South West region through school visits/programs and cricket carnivals. He was a regular cricket commentator on TV and radio.

Career

Yardley began playing grade cricket with Midland-Guildford as a fast medium bowler.

He made his first-class cricket debut in 1966–67, taking one wicket against Queensland.[1] However West Australia were blessed with fast bowlers during this period and he struggled to find a permanent spot, only playing in two games over six seasons. (The second game came against Victoria at the WACA in 1970–71.[2])

In 1971 Yardley began developing his abilities as a spin bowler and worked on his batting. He gained selection for WA as a batsman in 1973–74.[3] He scored 43 not out against the touring New Zealanders in 1974.[4] He would occasionally bowl as well.[5]

In 1973–74 he scored a quick fire 59 in a Gillette Cup game, helping WA beat NSW.[6]

In 1974–75 he played for West Australia primarily as a batsman.[7]

After a decade in First-Class cricket Yardley had 14 First-Class matches, scoring 246 runs at 14.47 and picking up six wickets at 61.83. He had bowled only 923 deliveries (153.5 six-ball overs).

Emergence as spin bowler

1976–77 was Yardley's breakthrough season as he became a full-time spinner. He took 2–44 and 3–40 against South Australia, also scoring a useful 35 runs. Two games later against NSW he took 6–62 then made 97 not out.[8]

For the season he scored 171 runs at 28.50 and picked up 19 wickets at 25.73.

1977–78 Test bowler

In 1977–78 the Australian Test team had lost a number of its leading players to World Series Cricket. Tony Mann was tried as a spinner but was dropped after four Tests.

Yardley had a strong domestic season. He scored 51 in 65 minutes in a game against South Australia, then took 7–44.[9][10] This saw him leap into contention for the spinner's spot for the fifth Test, the other contenders being Jim Higgs and Graham Whyte.

Yardley ended up being selected for both the fifth Test against India and the tour of West Indies.[11]

Yardley's Test debut was promising. One of four Australians playing in their first Test, he made useful scores of 22 and 26 and although he went wicketless in the first innings, took 4–134 in the second, helping bowl Australia to victory.[12][13]

1978 tour of the West Indies

Yardley enjoyed considerable success in the West Indies, forming a notable spin combination with Jim Higgs.

He began the tour well, taking five wickets against Leeward Islands, including a second innings return of 4–91.[14][15] He followed this up with nine wickets against Trinidad and Tobago, 4–51 and 5–89.[16]

This saw him selected in the first Test to team with Higgs. He took three wickets, but Australia lost by an innings.[17]

There was some discussion Yardley would miss the second Test[18] but he ended up playing. Yardley had an excellent game with the bat, scoring 74 off 73 runs in Australia's first innings and 47 in the second. He only bowled two overs, in another Australian defeat.[19]

Yardley went wicketless in a tour game against Guyana and was injured while batting, retiring hurt for 37.[20] He recovered to play in the third Test which was an Australian victory. He took three wickets and made 33 and 15 not out; the latter innings was especially crucial as it helped Australia pass the West Indies total. He did find however that Bob Simpson often preferred to bowl himself rather than Yardley.[21]

Yardley took six wickets in a game against Windward Islands.[22] In the 4th Test Yardley took 1–48 and 4–40 but Australia collapsed in their second innings and lost the game.[23]

Throwing controversy

Yardley encountered controversy in a tour match against Jamaica when he was twice no-balled for throwing by umpire Douglas Sang Hue.[24][25] It marred a fine game for him as he took 5–63 in the second innings and his score of 15 with the bat helped Australia win by two wickets.[26]

In the fifth Test Yardley almost bowled Australia to victory with second innings figures of 4–35 but the game ended in a riot.[27][28]

Yardley finished the series with 206 runs at 29.42 and 15 wickets at 25.13. He was easily one of the teams best performers on tour and now firmly established as the first choice off spinner.

1978–79 Ashes

Yardley kept his place for the first Test of the 78–79 Ashes. He had a poor game, only taking one wicket, although a first innings score at 17 did arrest an Australian collapse.[29]

His batting ensured he kept his place in the second Test over Higgs; he took four wickets.[30] Yardley was not selected for the next two games. He was recalled for the fifth Test, in which he took no wickets.[31]

In the sixth Test, Yardley took two wickets although he top scored in Australia's second innings with a knock of 61.[32] He and Higgs famously opened the bowling together in England's second innings.[33]

Pakistan

Yardley was dropped again for Australia's next game, the first Test against Pakistan, in favour of Peter Sleep.[34] Australia lost this game and Yardley was recalled for the next game.[35] He only took one wicket but the game resulted in a rare Australian victory.[36]

Yardley was overlooked for selection for the 1979 Cricket World Cup in favour of Graeme Porter[37] however he was selected to tour India in 1979.[38]

1979 tour of India

Yardley toured India in 1979. He was made 12th man for the first Test.[39] He returned to the side for the second test, making 47 as nightwatchman then taking 4–107 before illness meant he was too sick to bowl.[40][41]

He was kept on in the team for the third Test, taking only two wickets; he was called upon to open Australia's first innings and made 29.[42] A Kapil Dev yorker broke his foot in the second innings, ruling him out for the fourth Test.[43] He missed three games but returned for the fifth test, Kim Hughes saying the cricketer was "a must" for the team.[44] Yardley responded to his captain's faith by scoring 61 off 70 balls in Australia's first innings and taking 4–91.[45]

Yardley failed a fitness Test and was omitted for the sixth Test, replaced by Peter Sleep.[46]

Form slump

Yardley suffered a form slump at the beginning of the 1979–80 domestic season, which saw him only make 58 runs in five innings, and was dropped from the West Australian side.[47]

He later contracted a virus which affected his health so badly he dropped out of cricket altogether for a while to recover.[48]

1980–81 comeback

Yardley had a return to form during the 1980–81 season. He made 78 in a game against Queensland[49] then took 5–85 against South Australia[50] and 7–62 and 4–36 against Tasmania.[51]

This form – he was the second highest wicket taker in the Sheffield Shield that season at the time – saw him recalled to the Australian side for the test against India, replacing Shaun Graf; once again he was in the squad alongside Jim Higgs.[48] Yardley ended up being preferred to Higgs in the game, taking 2–90 and 1–25, as Australia failed to bowl out India.[52]

Yardley and Higgs played together in the next Test. Yardley had better figures, taking 2-45 and 2-65, but Australia's batters collapsed in the second innings and India won the game.[53]

Towards the end of the summer, Yardley's 3-40 against Queensland in a crucial game helped WA win the Shield.[54]

Yardley was overlooked for the 1981 Ashes despite being the third highest first class wicket-taker that summer, with 47 wickets at 25.38. The spinners chosen to go to England both had less wickets than Yardley: Graeme Beard (29) and Ray Bright (22).[55]

International Cricketer of the Year

Yardley's greatest season came in 1981–82.

He started well with 4-54 against South Australia[56] and was picked in the Australian 12 for the first Test against Pakistan over Ray Bright.[57] Yardley rewarded the selectors taking 6-84 in Pakistan's second innings.[58][59]

He then took 1-51 and 4-77 in the second Test, contributing to another Australian victory.[60][61]

For the third Test Yardley's figures were 7-187, earning him the man of the match award – but Australia lost the game by an innings.[62][63]

Australia then played the West Indies. The first game was the famous Boxing Day Test, best remembered for Kim Hughes' century. Yardley took 4-38 in their second innings[64] helping considerably to an Australian victory.[65] "Bruce bowled better than at any time I have seen him before", said Greg Chappell. "He is a great spin-bowler because he attacks the batsman and that is an asset that is rare among spinners".[66]

In the second Test he took 3-87 and 7-98, and hit 45 off 33 balls, giving Australia an outside chance of winning the game, but it ended in a draw.[67][68]

For the third Test, Yardley took 5-132 in the West Indies' first innings but no wickets in the second, as Australia lost.[69]

Yardley was not selected in Australia's one day side for the latter part of the summer.[70] However he was voted International Cricketer of the Year.[71]

1982 Tour of New Zealand

Yardley and Ray Bright were the two spinners on the 1982 tour of New Zealand.[72]

Yardley took 3-49 in the rain shortened first Test.[73] He took 4-142 and 2-40 in the second Test, frequently clashing with the New Zealand umpires, in a game Australia lost.[74][75] They had their revenge in the next game which Australia won; Yardley was not required to bowl in New Zealand's first innings but his 4-80 in the second helped considerably in securing an Australian victory.[76]

1982 Tour of Pakistan

Yardley was then selected on the tour to Pakistan.[77] He played in the first Test, scoring a pair and only taking one wicket.[78]

He then fell sick with a virus and was replaced in the second by Peter Sleep.[79] Yardley returned for the third Test, making a quick fire 40 in Australia's first innings and going for 1-102.[80][81]

1982–83 Ashes

Yardley kept his spot in the Australian side against England in 1982–83.[82] He took 5-107 and 3-101 in the first Test.[83]

After 5-68 against Tasmania[84] he scored 53 and took two wickets in the second Test.[85][86] The third test saw him take three wickets.[87]

A thigh injury due to a Rodney Hogg delivery meant there was some doubt whether Yardley would play the fourth Test but he was fit in time.[88] Yardley took 4-89 in England's first innings.[89]

In the fifth Test, Yardley took 4-139 in England's second innings but the Australian bowlers were unable to force a victory.[90] He finished the series with 141 runs at 20.14 and 22 wickets at 36.07.

Yardley was dropped from the Australian one day side again towards the end of the summer.[91] He then took four wickets in a game against South Australia.[92]

End of Test career

Yardley toured Sri Lanka in 1983.[93] In the sole Test he took 5-88 and 2-78, bowling in conjunction with Tom Hogan, helping Australia win by an innings.[94][95]

After being overlooked for the 1983 World Cup in favour of Tom Hogan,[96] Yardley retired from first class cricket.

"I want people to understand the decision was not based on not being selected to go to England", said Yardley at the time. "I will be 36 in September and it's as good a time to retire as any. I will not even be playing club cricket."[97]

Since Yardley had been first selected for Australia, he had missed selection on every side picked to tour England – 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1983. (Although 1979 and 1983 were one-day tournaments, and his form had been poor in 1979–80).

Comeback

Yardley made a surprisingTemplate:To whom comeback to First-Class cricket six-and-a-half years after his retirement when he was named in a Western Australian squad to tour India in 1989, at the age of 41.[98]

Yardley then played for WA against the touring New Zealanders, Victoria, NSW, and South Australia in the 1989-90 summer. He was criticised for abandoning a grade game to commentate with Channel Nine during a Test match.[99] He took ten wickets at 37.60 then retired for good. "I think I have bowled well enough to play Shield again, but the selectors won't pick me", Yardley said.[100]

Post retirement

Yardley was appointed the Sri Lankan coach in 1997. He later coached Singapore at the 2001 ICC Trophy

He coached Western Australia to their first Imparja Cup in 2009–10.[101]

Yardley died of cancer on 27 March 2019 in Kununurra, Western Australia, at the age of 71.[102][103]

References

  1. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  2. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  3. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  4. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  5. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  6. ↑ "GILLETTE CUP WA in knockout win". The Canberra Times. 4 February 1974. p. 16. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  8. ↑ "Spinner leads WA recovery". The Canberra Times. 15 November 1976. p. 16. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. ↑ "Wood helps place WA in front". The Canberra Times. 2 January 1978. p. 1 Section: SPORTS SECTION. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  10. ↑ "SHEFFIELD SHIELD TABLE". The Canberra Times. 3 January 1978. p. 1 Section: SPORTS SECTION. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  11. ↑ "Five dropped for next Test TOURING TEAM". The Canberra Times. 21 January 1978. p. 1 Section: SPORTS SECTION. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  12. ↑ "Australia wins Test series But India battles all the way". The Canberra Times. 4 February 1978. p. 1 Section: SPORTS SECTION. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  13. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 5th Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  14. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  15. ↑ "Thomson fit for one-day match". The Canberra Times. 22 February 1978. p. 1 Section: SPORTS SECTION. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  16. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  17. ↑ "Full Scorecard of West Indies vs Australia 1st Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  18. ↑ "Seven batsmen are under consideration for Test". The Canberra Times. 16 March 1978. p. 1 Section: SPORTS SECTION. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  19. ↑ "Full Scorecard of West Indies vs Australia 2nd Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  20. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  21. ↑ "Full Scorecard of West Indies vs Australia 3rd Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  22. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  23. ↑ "Full Scorecard of West Indies vs Australia 4th Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  24. ↑ Contemporary newspaper report from Sydney Morning Herald accessed 2 March 2015
  25. ↑ "Higgs to rescue after Yardley called chucker". The Canberra Times. 24 April 1978. p. 1 Section: SPORTS SECTION. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  26. ↑ "The Home of CricketArchive". cricketarchive.com.
  27. ↑ "Full Scorecard of West Indies vs Australia 5th Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  28. ↑ "Rumble in Jamaica". The Cricket Monthly. ESPNcricinfo.
  29. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 1st Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  30. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 2nd Test 1978 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  31. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 5th Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  32. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 6th Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  33. ↑ "Australia's old new ball". Cricinfo. 9 May 2009.
  34. ↑ "SPORTS SECTION". The Canberra Times. 6 March 1979. p. 1 Section: SPORTS SECTION. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  35. ↑ "Four dropped from Australia's team". The Canberra Times. 17 March 1979. p. 41. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  36. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  37. ↑ "Cup squad surprises". The Canberra Times. 7 April 1979. p. 45. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  38. ↑ "Wood back for tour of India". The Canberra Times. 19 July 1979. p. 30. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  39. ↑ "LATE NEWS Australian Test team". The Canberra Times. 11 September 1979. p. 1. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  40. ↑ "CRICKET Australia trails India as Test drawn". The Canberra Times. 25 September 1979. p. 20. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  41. ↑ "Full Scorecard of India vs Australia 2nd Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  42. ↑ "Full Scorecard of India vs Australia 3rd Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  43. ↑ "Yardley out with foot injury". The Canberra Times. 12 October 1979. p. 18. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  44. ↑ "CRICKET Yardley fit to play in Test". The Canberra Times. 26 October 1979. p. 22. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  45. ↑ "Full Scorecard of India vs Australia 5th Test 1979 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  46. ↑ "CRICKET Indians pile on runs in Test". The Canberra Times. 4 November 1979. p. 30. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  47. ↑ "Overwhelming victory for W. Indies". The Canberra Times. 18 December 1979. p. 22. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 "Yardley a prospect for tour". The Canberra Times. 22 January 1981. p. 28. Retrieved 5 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  49. ↑ "WA recovers in Brisbane; Thomson has early pace". The Canberra Times. 1 November 1980. p. 42. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  50. ↑ "W.A v S.A. Snatched win in final session". The Canberra Times. 24 December 1980. p. 18. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  51. ↑ "TASMANIA v WESTERN AUSTRALIA WA at 0–100 in good position". The Canberra Times. 18 January 1981. p. 22. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  52. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 2nd Test 1981 – Score Report – ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  53. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs India 3rd Test 1981 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  54. ↑ "W.A. v QUEENSLAND Bowling trio crushes star Shield bats in 'grand-final' game". The Canberra Times. 8 March 1981. p. 8 Section: BLACK OPAL SOUVENIR 1981. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  55. ↑ Australian first class wicket takers for 1980-81 at CricketArchive
  56. ↑ "W. Australia's flying start". The Canberra Times. 20 October 1981. p. 20. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  57. ↑ "CRICKET Chappell returns to lead Australia in first Test". The Canberra Times. 5 November 1981. p. 24. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  58. ↑ "Yardley mops up as Australia cruises home". The Canberra Times. 18 November 1981. p. 42. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  59. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test 1981 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  60. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs Pakistan 2nd Test 1981 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  61. ↑ "CRICKET Batsmen to blame — Miandad". The Canberra Times. 2 December 1981. p. 50. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  62. ↑ "CRICKET Pakistan, with 500, stave off a defeat". The Canberra Times. 13 December 1981. p. 17. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  63. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs Pakistan 3rd Test 1981 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  64. ↑ "CRICKET Bowlers swing Test balance". The Canberra Times. 30 December 1981. p. 16. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  65. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs West Indies 1st Test 1981 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  66. ↑ "CRICKET Test was match of many highlights". The Canberra Times. 31 December 1981. p. 16. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  67. ↑ "CRICKET Spin 'magic' revives Australia's hopes". The Canberra Times. 6 January 1982. p. 32. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  68. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs West Indies 2nd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  69. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs West Indies 3rd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  70. ↑ "CRICKET Australian one-day fortunes bleak". The Canberra Times. 12 January 1982. p. 16. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  71. ↑ "Award for Yardley". The Canberra Times. 4 February 1982. p. 20. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  72. ↑ "CRICKET Six batsmen, six bowlers to tour NZ". The Canberra Times. 5 February 1982. p. 16. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  73. ↑ "Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs Australia 1st Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  74. ↑ "CRICKET Bowlers back in control". The Canberra Times. 15 March 1982. p. 22. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  75. ↑ "Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs Australia 2nd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  76. ↑ "Full Scorecard of New Zealand vs Australia 3rd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  77. ↑ "Kim Hughes to lead Pakistan-tour team". The Canberra Times. 26 March 1982. p. 22. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  78. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Pakistan vs Australia 1st Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  79. ↑ "CRICKET Yardley ill, Sleep may be named". The Canberra Times. 30 September 1982. p. 28. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  80. ↑ "CRICKET Test recall for Terry Alderman". The Canberra Times. 14 October 1982. p. 28. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  81. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Pakistan vs Australia 3rd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  82. ↑ "CRICKET Chappell captain, Hookes makes it". The Canberra Times. 5 November 1982. p. 18. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  83. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 1st Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  84. ↑ "WA wraps up points". The Canberra Times. 24 November 1982. p. 40. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  85. ↑ "CRICKET Some 'help' but England battles". The Canberra Times. 29 November 1982. p. 18. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  86. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 2nd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  87. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 3rd Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  88. ↑ "CRICKET New MCG wicket could be the Test". The Canberra Times. 22 December 1982. p. 36. Retrieved 11 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  89. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 4th Test 1982 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  90. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Australia vs England 5th Test 1983 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  91. ↑ "WA minus an unfit Lillee". The Canberra Times. 14 January 1983. p. 18. Retrieved 12 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  92. ↑ "Two WA spin bowlers send SA bats reeling". The Canberra Times. 27 February 1983. p. 26. Retrieved 12 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  93. ↑ "CRICKET In-form Yallop gains tour place". The Canberra Times. 3 March 1983. p. 26. Retrieved 12 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  94. ↑ "CRICKET Australians spin to victory in Test". The Canberra Times. 27 April 1983. p. 44. Retrieved 12 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  95. ↑ "Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs Australia Only Test 1983 - Score Report - ESPNcricinfo.com". ESPNcricinfo.
  96. ↑ "Trevor Chappell only surprise for Cup". The Canberra Times. 6 May 1983. p. 22. Retrieved 12 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  97. ↑ "Yardley calls it a day". The Canberra Times. 10 June 1983. p. 20. Retrieved 12 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  98. ↑ "Step closer to surprise comeback". The Canberra Times. 21 July 1989. p. 14. Retrieved 12 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  99. ↑ "Yardley angers WA officials by joining Nine". The Canberra Times. 20 December 1989. p. 49. Retrieved 12 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  100. ↑ "Yardley quits at all levels". The Canberra Times. 11 February 1990. p. 11. Retrieved 12 December 2014 – via National Library of Australia.
  101. ↑ "Western Australia claim Imparja Cup". Cricinfo. 14 February 2010.
  102. ↑ Baum, Greg (27 March 2019). "In age of fast men, the late Bruce Yardley put his own spin on fame". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  103. ↑ Townsend, John (27 March 2019). "Test cricketer Bruce Yardley dies age 71 after cancer battle". The West Australian. Retrieved 28 March 2019.

External links

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