Catalogue for the auction of
Cricket, Wisden Cricketers’ Almanacks,
Football & Sporting Memorabilia

Brian Maurice Brain. Worcestershire & Gloucestershire 1959-1981. An interesting selection of eight handwritten and typed letters dated 1963 and 1966 from and about Brian Brain. The first is a handwritten letter dated 27th February 1963 from Brain to M.J.K. Smith, then captain at Warwickshire, asking whether he would be considered to join the playing staff. Smith replied on 7th March 1963 rejecting Brain’s request. On 17th June 1966, Brain wrote to Leslie Deakins, Secretary at Warwickshire C.C.C. stating he had applied to be released from his contract with Worcestershire and whether they would be interested in his services. There follows correspondence between Deakins and Joe Lister at Worcestershire, on 21st June 1966 Deakins asking for permission to negotiate with Brain. In his reply dated 23rd June, Lister says Brain’s ‘chances of gaining a regular place in the side, within the next year or so, were very rosy’. Deakins acknowledges these comments on 24th June. A further letter from a Warwickshire member dated 13th July 1966 to Deakins recommends ‘obtaining the services of B. Brain of Worcestershire’, and Deakins’ reply of 15th July explains the Club’s ‘acute’ position regarding bowlers. Good condition.