Brian Close RIP

Brian Close RIP

Former England and Yorkshire captain Brian Close has died at the age of 84:

Allrounder Close, known for his courage and tenacity at the crease and on the field,

first played for England in 1949 at the age of 18 years and 149 days -

making him still England's youngest debutant.

Such was his reputation for bravery that he was famously recalled as a 45-year-old :

to face down West Indies' fearsome attack in 1976 !!

The title of his autobiography, I Don't Bruise Easily

summed up his approach to the game and life.

Sad news. Close was as tough as they come.

Even Brian Close thought being asked to open the batting in 1976 was "stupid".