Cricket in Western Australia from Western Australia fought in World War I, including Ernie Parker, Lionel Gouly and Jim Everett. Western Australia was admitted to the Sheffield Shield for the 1947–48 season. Keith Carmody was recruited from New South Wales to lead the inaugural side. Although playing a shortened schedule of matches compared to the other teams, playing each team only once instead of twice, Western Australia won the competition in the first year. Notable cricketers from the first few years of Western Australia's Sheffield Shield competition include Carmody, Allan Edwards, Wally Langdon, Laurie Sawle, Jack Rutherford, Ken Meuleman, John Munro and Basil Rigg.
The Guide to Cricketers than full scorecards. This consisted of the names of the two teams, the venue and date of the match plus the innings totals and result. However, there would often be a description of the match giving important details. The major counties were covered, together with the M.C.C., Universities, professional elevens and public schools. A large number of very brief biographies were often included. "John Lillywhite's Cricketer's Companion" started in 1865 and with Fred's death this incorporated "The Guide to Cricketers" from 1867. "James Lillywhite's Cricketers' Annual" started in 1872 and this in turn incorporated the "John Lillywhite's Cricketer's Companion" which