10 best England fielders of all time

#3 Brian Close

Brian Close standing at short leg

The legendary English cricketer, who was famous for being one of the most courageous batsmen was perhaps the most courageous fielders in cricket history as well and remains one of his nation's greatest ever fielders. Close's position of choice was short leg and even when he used to be hit, he did not flinch one bit.

In addition to that, he stood very close to the batsmen and his ability to keep his eye on the ball until the last moment, without any fear allowed him to take some remarkable catches. Close never dived when a batsman raised his bat and that was a key factor in his prowess as a short leg fielder. He did it all without wearing any helmet either. As former English cricket Mike Selvey recounted in an article in The Guardian a few years ago, Close, as captain once devised a strategy to get Garry Sobers out in the most ingenious way possible. He told his fast bowler John Snow, “You bounce him, Snowy, and I’ll catch him.” And he did.