Chris Rushworth receives White Bear County Cap

Tuesday 26 September will forever be remembered by Chris Rushworth.

The 37-year-old, waiting patiently in the pre-match huddle, was caught off guard as he spotted his dad and partner standing behind him.

Alongside them was Warwickshire legend Tim Munton, who hidden in his blazer pocket, had the prized possession of Rushworth’s new White Bear County Cap.

Never capped at Durham, the evergreen seamer proved his worth once again, taking four wickets on day one, before completing his second 5-fer of the season 24 hours later.

Mark Robinson said the decision was based on ‘not only his performances as a Bear, but his career too’ and it’s impossible to argue the reasoning.

‘Rushy’ formed a destructive new ball partnership with OHD, taking 53 of the combined 107 wickets between them.

“It was a massive surprise,” said Rushworth, who has 656 wickets in First Class cricket and 874 in all formats. “Obviously, that morning we sat around watching it ran or waiting for the ground the dry and we finally got into the huddle.

“To turn around and see my partner and my dad standing behind, I was very surprised and shocked, but equally very proud and emotional.

“To receive my first county cap at 37 is not something that happens all the time, so now I’m absolutely delighted. I’ve heard so many stories and what the White Bear means to everyone that’s been part of Warwickshire, so to receive it this week has been absolutely incredible.”