TRIBUTES have been paid to former England, Somerset and Yorkshire captain Brian Close, who has died at the age of 84.

Close became the youngest player to play Test cricket for England when he made his debut against New Zealand in 1949 as an 18-year-old.

Known for his brave batting, Brian Close captained his country seven times in 22 Tests.

A statement from Somerset County Cricket Club said:

"Somerset County Cricket Club is mourning the sad loss of Brian Close who has passed away at the age of 84.

"Brian was at the end of a long and successful career with Yorkshire when he agreed to head west to join Somerset in 1971 after being persuaded by Bill Andrews to join the Club.

"The all rounder was an immediate success and in his first season he scored five centuries, one of which was against his former county at Headingley.

"Brian Close always led by example, from his customary short leg fielding spot and never expected his players to do anything that he couldn’t do himself.

Somerset CEO Guy Lavender said:  "Brian Close made a hugely significant contribution as a cricketer and Captain to England, Yorkshire and Somerset.

“The general committee and all members of Somerset County Cricket Club would like to offer our sincere condolences to Vivien, Lance and Lyn.

“Brian’s contribution to Somerset was immense.

"A fearless and highly respected leader he galvanised the Club and led the team to five one day trophies in as many seasons.

"He was instrumental in nurturing the talents of many young players like Sir Ian Botham, Sir Viv Richard, Brian Rose and Peter Denning and there is no doubting the contribution that he made to harnessing their talents for Somerset, but also preparing them for the successful careers that were to follow.

“Brian will be remembered with great affection by all those who were privileged to know him at Somerset.

"He will be greatly missed and we will never forget the part he has played in Somerset’s history.”

Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s president Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird OBE said: “Brian Close was an all-time great, both of Yorkshire and England. 

“He will go down as one of the bravest cricketers of all time. He would stand at short-leg, about a yard away from the bat, and would never flinch if the ball hit him. He would take it in his stride and carry on.

“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.”