50 Years Ago: Allan Jones looks back at Middlesex's County Championship success of 1976

The now 78-year-old former paceman had been deemed surplus to requirements at Somerset where his relationship with their then skipper, the late Brian Close, was volatile, on field at least.

Yet Jones would prove one half of a formidable new-ball spearhead with Mike Selvey, returning 69 wickets at a shade under 23 apiece as the Seaxes secured the County Championship title for the first time since sharing the honours with Yorkshire in 1949.

He admits Brearley played a big part in his renaissance, courtesy of a style of captaincy in sharp contrast to that of micro-manager Close, one built on trust of his bowlers and team in general.