Born at Harrow in 1942, John Michael Brearley was an excellent tactical captain and an outstanding leader of players who made his first-class debut for Cambridge University in 1961. He later acted as captain in 1963 and 1964. He represented Middlesex from 1961 to 1983, (1971 to 1982 as captain), as an opening batsman and specialist slip fieldsman, leading the county to the championship 3 times and once shared. Playing 455 first-class matches he amassed 25,185 runs with 45 centuries and with a top score of 312 n.o. for M.C.C. Under 25 versus North Zone at Peshawar in 1966/67 and he held 418 catches. He represented England in 39 Tests, with 18 victories in 31 Tests as skipper, scoring 1,442 runs with a top score of 91 versus India at Bombay in 1976/77. He toured abroad 10 times and he was only the second captain after Len Hutton to regain and successfully defend the Ashes and he was the first to lead England to 5 wins in an Ashes series. Since retiring he has concentrated on psychotherapy, cricket writing and teaching.
