Born on February 24, 1931 in England, Brian Close was the second eldest of five boys and a girl born to Harry and Esther Close. He grew up in a cricket-loving family, with his father being a keen amateur cricketer. Close showed a natural talent for the sport from a young age and began playing cricket at the local club when he was just a boy.
Close's cricket career took off when he was selected to play for England at the young age of 18, becoming the youngest man ever to play Test cricket for his country. Despite his lack of experience, Close quickly established himself as a talented and promising player. He went on to captain England in 7 of his 22 Test matches, showcasing his leadership skills and strategic prowess on the field.
Close faced a unique challenge early in his career when he was serving a "confined to barracks" punishment during his military service. Despite this setback, he was selected for his first international cricket tour in 1950, where he proved his worth and solidified his position in the team. Close's dedication and hard work paid off, and he quickly became a key player for both England and Somerset.
Throughout his career, Close was known for his traditional views on cricket. He was a staunch opponent of one-day cricket, or ODI's, believing that it detracted from the pure skills and strategies of the game. Close believed in the importance of technique, patience, and discipline in cricket, and he was critical of the increasing focus on fast-paced, high-scoring matches.
Despite his controversial views, Close left a lasting impact on the cricketing world. His leadership qualities, tactical acumen, and unwavering dedication to the sport inspired generations of players. He later went on to captain Somerset, leading the team to numerous victories and cementing his status as a cricketing legend.
In addition to his cricketing achievements, Close was also a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He cherished his family above all else and found joy and fulfillment in spending time with his loved ones. Close's legacy as a cricketing icon and a devoted family man continues to live on, inspiring aspiring athletes and young cricketers around the world.