Former England cricket team captain dies, aged 84

Former England, Yorkshire and Somerset captain Brian Close has died, aged 84.

The Yorkshireman is the youngest player to have won a Test cap for England, making his debut as an 18-year-old against New Zealand in 1949.

Close, who was known for his brave batting, captained his country seven times in 22 Tests, and led Yorkshire to four County Championship titles.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who was coached by Close at Yorkshire, called him “a true inspiration”.

Close, who lived in Baildon, West Yorkshire, died on Sunday. He leaves a widow, a son and a daughter.