Hain: “I just love playing for this Club and what it’s given me”

Sam Hain could not hide his delight at securing a new contract.

The 27-year-old, who secured a new deal in October, extended his nine-year stay at Edgbaston by three years, ensuring he’ll remain a Bear until at least the end of the 2025 season.

Arriving as a spotted teenager following following a recommendation by former Warwickshire captain Michael Powell for a trial, Hain is growing into a Bears legend, who is held in the highest esteem by the Bears faithful.

“As I’ve grown, the more time I spend here, that love is certainly growing,” Hain said when asked about his love affair with the Club. “It all happened pretty quickly and it was an obvious decision to extend that contract and one I’m very grateful for. I love this Club and I think it’s evident how much I’ve said that, not only in this interview, but over the past few months.

“I was reminiscing a little bit with Cookie (Keith Cook) when he picked me up as a 17-year-old in flip flops and shorts when the snow was out. That journey I’ve been on in the last ten years is one I look back on, but also quite grateful for, and I’m obviously delighted to to extend that journey with a great crop.”

Hain’s fondness for the Bear and Ragged Staff has grown year on year.

Making his List A debut in 2013, the right-hander was capped in 2018, earning the highest recognition a player can get from his peers. Now a senior member of the team, Hain is looking to share his experience and knowledge to a young group looking to emulate in his footsteps.

“I just love playing for this Club and what it’s given me,” the England Lion added. “I remember when I got capped actually, I said that, this Club has given me a lot and hopefully in the future I can give it a lot back.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play in some great sides here with some quality players. We’ve certainly won a few trophies, obviously last year being a core memory of mine that will certainly stay with me for the rest of my life and certainly career.

“I think it’s part of my job as a senior player to offer that arm round the shoulder. I’m at this stage of my career where I’m really comfortable as a player and as a person I want to be. I remember being 18, 19 and it’s quickly how time goes.

“If I can offer any advice or help lads in certain situations of course I’m going to be open to doing that.”