Brian Close

Widely known for an incident of faced a 90mph ball to his unprotected face, Brian Close gain a recognized as the ‘bravest man’ in cricket.

In this article, 7cric try to figuring out the legendary performances of his career, through a remarkable stories and records.

Early Life and Background of Brian Close

Brian Close, born on February 24, 1931, in Rawdon, Yorkshire, England, emerged as one of cricket’s most formidable and respected figures.

From his early years, Close was enveloped in an environment that cherished cricket, an influence that played a pivotal role in shaping his future career.

His birthplace, Yorkshire, is renowned for its rich cricketing heritage, and this cultural backdrop provided the perfect nursery for his cricketing talents.

Family Background

Close’s family was instrumental in nurturing his love for cricket. Although there is limited public information about his parents and siblings, it is clear that his family’s support and the cricketing culture of Yorkshire were significant in his early exposure to the sport.

The environment in which he grew up was one where cricket was a popular and highly regarded activity, laying the foundation for his deep connection with the game.

Early Education and Cricket Initiation

Brian Close received his early education at Aireborough Grammar School in Yorkshire. His school days played a crucial role in his cricketing development, as it was here that he first encountered formal cricket training and competition.

At school, he quickly made a mark with his exceptional talent and versatility in sports, excelling not only in cricket but also in football and boxing.

His early education provided a structured environment for honing his skills, demonstrating his potential as a future sports star.

Early Cricketing Experiences

Close’s cricketing journey took a significant leap at Aireborough Grammar School, where his natural talent was evident.

He was a dominant figure on the school’s cricket team, often outperforming older players with his skill and determination.

His performances at school level did not go unnoticed, leading to his selection for various representative sides, including the Yorkshire Colts.

Notable Achievements and Challenges

One of Close’s early notable achievements was his selection for the Yorkshire senior team at just 18 years old, making him one of the youngest ever to play professional cricket at that level.

His early career was marked by a rapid ascent, characterized by fearless batting and sharp fielding. However, his journey was not without challenges.

Close’s aggressive playing style and unyielding demeanor on the field were both admired and criticized.

His approach to the game, while leading to early success, also sparked debates about sportsmanship and conduct in cricket.

Childhood Influences on Career

The combination of a supportive family, a cricket-rich environment, and early exposure to competitive cricket significantly influenced Close’s career.

His childhood in Yorkshire, steeped in cricket tradition, laid a solid foundation for his future.

The experiences and challenges he faced in his early years not only shaped his playing style but also built his character, preparing him for the highs and lows of a professional cricket career.

These formative experiences contributed to the development of his leadership qualities and resilience, traits that would become hallmarks of his long and distinguished career in cricket.

Career Achievements in Cricket

Brian Close was an English cricketer known for his fearless playing style and leadership on the field.

His cricketing career spanned several decades, during which he achieved numerous milestones and made significant contributions to both domestic and international cricket.

Domestic Cricket Milestones

Close made his debut for Yorkshire in 1949 at the age of 18 and quickly became known for his aggressive batting and versatile playing style.

He played a crucial role in Yorkshire’s dominance in the County Championship during the 1950s and 1960s.

Close became the youngest ever captain of Yorkshire in 1963, leading the team to win the County Championship.

His leadership was characterized by a proactive and sometimes unconventional approach, which often brought success to his team.

International Cricket Achievements

Brian Close made his Test debut for England against New Zealand in 1949. Over his international career, he played 22 Test matches and scored over 800 runs.

Although not prolific in terms of runs, his ability to play in difficult situations made him a valuable player for England.

One of Close’s most notable performances in Test cricket was against the West Indies in 1963, where he demonstrated his courage by facing some of the fastest bowlers in the game at the time.

Leadership and International Impact

Close was appointed the captain of the England cricket team in 1966, leading England in seven Test matches, including a famous series win against the West Indies.

His leadership style was direct and uncompromising, which sometimes led to controversy but also earned respect for his determination and commitment.

Close’s impact on the teams he played for was significant, often inspiring his teammates with his fearless approach.

His ability to motivate and lead, particularly in challenging situations, was a key factor in the success of the teams under his captaincy.

Brian Close received several accolades throughout his career, including being awarded the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1963.

His contributions to cricket were recognized with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his services to the sport.

Statistical Overview of Brian Close’s Cricketing Career

Brian Close’s cricket career, spanning from the late 1940s to the early 1970s, showcases significant achievements in both batting and bowling across different formats.

1. Test Cricket Statistics

• Matches Played: Close featured in 22 Test matches for England.
• Batting: He scored 887 runs in 32 innings, with an average of 25.00. His highest score in Tests was 70, and he hit six half-centuries, but no century.
• Bowling: As a bowler, he took 18 wickets with a bowling average of 39.44. His best bowling figures in an innings were 3/46.
• Fielding: Close took 16 catches in his Test career, highlighting his abilities in the field as well.

2. First-Class Cricket Statistics

• Matches Played: He had a much longer first-class career, playing 786 matches.
• Batting: Close accumulated 34,994 runs at an average of 33.26, with a highest score of 198 not out. He scored 52 centuries and 198 fifties.
• Bowling: In bowling, Close took 1,171 wickets with an average of 27.19. His best bowling figures in a match were 8/41.
• Fielding: He also excelled in fielding, with 312 catches throughout his first-class career.

3. Techniques and Role

• Batting Technique: Close was known for his aggressive and fearless batting style. He often played in the middle order, utilizing a strong defensive technique mixed with the ability to attack when needed.
• Bowling Style: As a bowler, Close was versatile, capable of both fast-medium pace and off-spin bowling. His ability to adapt to the match situation made him a valuable all-rounder.
• Team Role: Close’s role in the team was multifaceted; he was not only a batsman and a bowler but also a strategic captain and a reliable fielder. His leadership on the field was significant, often inspiring his teammates with his resilience and tenacity.

Controversies Involving Brian Close

Brian Close, known for his fearless approach to cricket, was involved in a few controversies during his career, which attracted media attention and sparked debates in the cricketing community.

1. Short-Leg Fielding (1963 and 1976)

One of the most talked-about aspects of Close’s career was his fielding at short leg, particularly during the Test series against the West Indies.

In 1963 and then more notably in 1976, Close, then in his 40s, was positioned extremely close to the batsman, a tactic that many considered overly aggressive and dangerous.

His refusal to flinch or back away from fast bowlers’ deliveries led to both admiration for his bravery and criticism for what some perceived as unnecessary risk-taking.

2. Captaincy and Team Management (Late 1960s)

As the captain of Yorkshire and England, Close’s leadership style was sometimes contentious. His aggressive tactics and on-field decisions, while often effective, were sometimes seen as too confrontational.

His tenure as Yorkshire captain ended in controversy with disagreements over team selection and management style, leading to his sacking in 1970.

3. Betting Scandal (1967)

Close was embroiled in a betting scandal in 1967 when he was accused of involvement in minor betting activities related to cricket matches.

Although the incident did not lead to legal consequences, it raised questions about the integrity of the game and Close’s judgment. He was subsequently dropped from the England team and stripped of the captaincy.

Final Words of Brian Close’ Biography, Career, and Statistics

Brian Close’s cricketing journey was marked by exceptional talent, fearless determination, and a series of notable achievements and controversies.

His aggressive playing style, leadership qualities, and the debates surrounding his on-field tactics and off-field incidents have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Brian Close remains a figure of significant interest in the cricketing world, remembered for both his contributions to the game and the spirited manner in which he played it.