Jack Brooks was struggling to fight back the tears as he celebrated becoming a county cricket champion.

The Oxfordshire bowler has been a leading light for Yorkshire this season and played his part once again as his side yesterday sealed the Division 1 title with an emphatic success over Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

It caps a staggering rise for the 30-year-old, who started his career as a junior at village side Tiddington.

After playing for both Oxford and Oxfordshire, Brooks got his big break with Northants in 2009.

He left to join Yorkshire in 2012 and has never looked back – he is the leading wicket-taker in this season’s LV= County Championship top flight.

“I cannot put into words the emotions I am feeling right now,” Brooks, an Oxford Mail columnist, said after leaving the field following his side’s innings and 152-run success.

“I have not won a trophy since playing for Oxford, and to win the biggest one in English cricket is just unbelievable.

“It’s the best day of my life.”

Brooks has become a crowd favourite at Headingley and has firmly established himself as a first-choice, front line bowler.

“I could never have predicted where my career was going to go when I look back,” he said. Absolutely no way.

“It’s an absolute dream and hasn’t sunk in yet. It might start to after some serious celebrations.

“When I first went to Northants I thought that I might get one year in county cricket or maybe two.

“But when things started to go well, and then I left Northants to join the biggest county in the country it has just got better and better.

“I was nearly in tears at the end, reflecting on where I was and where I am now.

“The last thing I won was when Oxford picked up the Home Counties Premier League title in 2007, so it’s an unbelievable feeling.

“I am just incredibly proud to have played my part in a great team.”

He added: “You look at the players we have here and the international talent on show it’s just an absolute priviledge to train and play with these guys each day.

“It just couldn’t have gone better for me. I’m loving every minute of it.”

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