Brian Close, the former England, Yorkshire and Somerset cricket captain, has passed away aged 84.
Close became the youngest player ever to represent England at 18 and went on to lead his country seven times in 22 Tests.
He died on Sunday after a long illness with cancer. His death was confirmed in a statement by Yorkshire CCC on Monday morning, who remembered him as "one of Yorkshire and England's greatest ever captains and one of the game's most courageous players".
It is with deep sadness that former #Yorkshire & @englandcricket star Brian Close has passed away. #RIPClosey pic.twitter.com/qTEbXbq29c
; Yorkshire CCC (@Yorkshireccc) September 14, 2015
Retired Test umpire Dickie Bird also paid tribute to Close as an “all-time great”.
"He will go down as one of the bravest cricketers of all time," he said. "He is Yorkshire's most successful post-war captain - winning the County Championship on four occasions - and will always be regarded as one of the best skippers in the game.
"As a captain, his record speaks for itself. He is Yorkshire's most successful post-war captain - winning the County Championship on four occasions and will always be regarded as one of the best skippers in the game.
"He led from the front and never took a back step. He commanded huge respect from his fellow players. He had the ability to get the best out of every player under his stewardship with his fearless and brave approach to the game."
Close is survived by his wife Vivienne, and their two children.
Additional reporting by Press Association
