Trueman Explains Why He Left

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31975, 30 April 1969, Page 15

Trueman Explains Why He Left

■ ( N. Z.P.A.-Reut er—Copyright) LONDON. England’s former fast bowler, F. S. Trueman, says he left first-class cricket because “I couldn't stand another season under Brian Close." Trueman, the Yorkshire and England cricketer who holds a world record of 307 test wickets, made this dis-

closure in the Sundav news- ■ paper, the "People.” • He said: “The fact is that Close and I hadn’t seen eye to eye on cricket matters for years.” Close is Yorkshire's captain and Trueman was. until last year, the vice-captain. “I genuinely thought Brian was a selfish skipper." wrote I Trueman. “If Close hadn't ' been so selfish—in the sense . of trying to shine in too many departments of the game—l think he would have enjoyed a regular test career. “There is no doubt he had 1 greater ability than almost , any post-war England left- . hander, but I feel he squand-i ered himself by attempting • too much."

■ Trueman said that his real resentment began a couple of t seasons ago when Close. ; suffering from an old knee ■ injury, insisted on his rights as skipper and posted himi self to short leg, Trueman's Hold position. "Suddenly, after years of i I being a specialist close ■ fielder, 1 found myself being : ordered to tear round at ■ cover point, fine leg or third man. places where I'd never ' fielded in my life," he said. I: This and other decisions made by Close led to many ! on and off the field outbursts and verbal exchanges. Trueman said. •i But, in spite of everything. 11 he still rated Close the best captain in England.