Given the rapidly changing face of communication, it is difficult to imagine Jonny Bairstow or Joe Root hand writing personal letters back home from England tours to Australia, South Africa or India, as interesting as they would be.

Twitter and Instagram posts are all the rage nowadays, as are WhatsApp, Skype and Zoom calls. That just wasn’t possible in Brian Close’s day.

It is exactly why the excellent book, written by former Yorkshire cricket correspondent David Warner, ‘Just A Few Lines – the unseen letters and memorabilia of Brian Close’ is so unique.

Recently published, Warner and book editor Ron Deaton have collated letters to home written by legendary Close during the early stages of his illustrious near 30-year playing career.

Between 1949 and 1956, Close, the former Yorkshire and England captain who passed away aged 84 in 2015, wrote regularly to his best friend John Anderson, detailing life on and off the field in entertaining and honest accounts.

The letters (and autograph books filled on his behalf) to Anderson, who has also since passed away, were handed to Warner by Brian’s widow Vivien – the pair are friends and near neighbours in Baildon.

Close’s first Test tour to Australia and New Zealand in 1950/51 is a central part of the book. Of the journey Down Under by boat and his exercise regime, Close writes: “I’ve managed to pull my (running) time for the mile well below five minutes. The mile is seven times around the deck house.”

Related News

View all news

England vs India - First Rothesay Test Match - Pre-Match Guide

Ahead of the first Rothesay Test Match of the summer, the pre-match guide includes all the information spectators will need ahead of their trip to Headingley.

Read more

Yorkshire Pathway Represented in England Youth Squads

Yorkshire bowler Alex Wade has been included in the England Men U19s squad for the five-match Youth One-Day International series against India Men U19s, whilst 4 Yorkshire Pathway players have been selected for an U19 Invitational XI.

Read more

Commentary Headsets Now Available!

Yorkshire County Cricket Club is pleased to announce that spectators will be able to purchase commentary headsets from the Vitality T20 Blast game vs Bears at Headingley on Friday 13th June onwards.

Read more

Sign up to our newsletter

For all the latest news, previews, ticket, membership and Premium Experiences information and more exciting content from Yorkshire Cricket straight to your inbox, subscribe now.

To view our privacy policy, click here.