Geoff Humpage is incredibly proud to see his beloved Bears County Champions once again.
Geoff Humpage is incredibly proud to see his beloved Bears County Champions once again.
The former wicket-keeper batter was speaking at the Edgbaston-held Champions Dinner, a place he describes as his ‘second home’.
More than just a club legend and avid supporter, the now 67-year-old admits he lives and breaths the Bears fortunes in all formats.
With 16 years as a professional and over 24,000 career runs, this homegrown Bear from Sparkbrook knows a thing or two about life at Edgbaston.
“If it’s winning championships then you’re talking to the wrong person because Warwickshire was a brilliant side before I joined and were a brilliant side after I finished,” joked Humpage who remains a fan favourite and folk hero.
“I’ve been involved with Warwickshire since I was ten as I had a trial and started to play for the under-13s at eleven. This is my second home and I love it to bits.
“I look forward to Warwickshire doing well in every aspect of cricket and they did absolutely fantastic.
“It’s very difficult to win because there are so many good players in very good sides and let’s be honest with the way it was it was a very difficult situation for them to get through.
“After two-thirds of the season it was open for a lot of people, but they suddenly got it together and did it the hard way. To beat Somerset the way they did, they did it beautifully by bowling Somerset out on a good wicket.”
Humpage still holds the Warwickshire batting record for the fourth wicket: a stand of 470 with Alvin Kallicharran against Lancashire at Southport in 1982.
The right-hander was also named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1985, whilst playing three ODIs for England four years earlier.
It is a career that many young Bears looking to break through will aspire to.
“It’s just a question of development isn’t it?” Humpage added when asked how Warwickshire can build on 2021.
“You’ve got good players and some very good young players and it’s a question of learning very quickly.
“It was interesting to hear Will Rhodes talking about being a Captain. We have experienced captains involved with WOCCA (Warwickshire Old County Cricketers’ Association) such as MJK Smith, Dennis Amiss and it would be great to use what you’ve got with the club.”
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