Brian Close: Ex England and Yorkshire captain dies aged 84

Former England captain Brian Close has died at the age of 84. Close, who also led Yorkshire and Somerset during a 18-year career, made his international debut in 1949 at the age of 18 against New Zealand at Old Trafford, a record that still sees him stand as the youngest player to play a Test match for England.

The batsman captained his country seven times in 22 Tests matches and won four county championship titles with Yorkshire.

A statement released from current county champions Yorkshire read: "It is with the deepest regret that Yorkshire county cricket club announce the death of Brian Close, CBE, one of Yorkshire and England's greatest ever captains and one of the game's most courageous players. Brian, who was 84 and lived at Baildon, near Bradford, died on Sunday.

"In addition to his outstanding cricket career, Brian remained fully committed to Yorkshire until the end, being a life member of the club and president from 2008-10. He was also a popular former president of the Yorkshire CCC Players' Association. He leaves a widow, Vivienne, and a son and a daughter."

Close racked finished his career just shy of 35,000 career runs to his name, having also been a footballer earlier in his youth, playing for Leeds United, Arsenal and Bradford City between 1948 and 1953.