[1] As a county cricketer, Ridgway, although not appearing a likely successful pace bowler because of his slight build, was the mainstay of Kent County Cricket Club's opening attack for a decade after World War II, except on the rare occasions that Jack Martin could get away from business.
Though in 1948 he was badly affected by injury, 1949 proved to be Ridgway's best year, for he took 105 wickets for 22.88 runs each, which ranked him as the fourth-best pace bowler in the country after Bedser, Gladwin and Les Jackson.
Ridgway's most notable performance was on the featherbed Trent Bridge wicket, where he took six for 79 in the first innings, and paved the way for an easy Kent victory.
Moreover, playing against Sussex,[2] Ridgway "shared in a record partnership of 161 for the ninth wicket" with Brian Edrich.
He was one of seven players who made their Test debut on that trip where he opened the bowling with Brian Statham.