Saturday, 25 September 2010

Close, Brian

Yorkshireman. Youngest ever England Test cricket player in 1949. Pissed off by the Yorkshire committee in 1970 after 21 years service he moved to Somerset where he played a role in the development of Ian Botham. Also known for various run ins with Geoffrey Boycott.
Ridiculously committed fielder who relished pain. Got knocked flat on a Test recall against the West Indies. Viv Richards, a Somerset team-mate at the time, approached him to help him up saying "Are you all right skipper?". "Fuck off", said Close.
Legend.

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