Interview by Andy Bone:

Tom Hampton has called time on his successful stint as captain of the Bucks Cricket, Men's 1st XI.

After taking charge back in 2018, Hampton has decided to stand down after seven years at the helm.

It was obviously a big decision as it’s been a huge part of my life, but at the same time it was a simple one. The two big factors were that over the last few years playing multiple days has got harder and harder, and it had got to the point that my body was getting too sore to keep doing it, especially the way I like to play the game. Secondly, with Mez and Scarlett, I was more aware it was getting harder to leave them. I felt like it was time to take the opportunity to have more time with the family, which makes a tough decision that bit easier. They have put up with a lot of cricket over the years, which I would like to thank them for, plus all the support they continue to give me.

Hampton made his senior debut for Bucks back on 11th May 2014 against Oxfordshire in a Unicorns Trophy, Group 4 game at Challow & Childrey. A few weeks later (8th June 2014), Hampton claimed six for 48 for the county against Cumbria at Barrow Cricket Club, a career best.

Ironically, both sides in the games mentioned above featured Jason Harrison and Simon Stanway, a duo who became instrumental in working with Hampton to deliver success later on.

Hampton was appointed as the Bucks Minor Counties, 1st XI Captain for the 2018 season. His second season in charge saw Hampton lead his side to top the group of five sides in the Unicorns T20 and reach Finals Day at Wormsley before losing their semi-final to the eventual winners, Hertfordshire.

The now infamous Covid season was sandwiched between the end of the Minor Counties and the beginning of the newly formed National Counties. But what changes, if any, were noticeable.

I don’t think there were too many changes. I suppose the one big change was the split in the Championship, with promotion and relegation introduced, which added a new dynamic to the summer. I think the one thing I have noticed is the improved professionalism from all the counties, and the overall quality sides and individuals playing NCCA cricket Nothing shows this more than the work done with the Challengers side, which is such a great opportunity, and will hopefully play it's part in showcasing the talent playing at the level, and hopefully give more players a chance at that next level.

The red ball was where Hampton's time as skipper will be remembered as, following the Covid break, arguably the pinnacle was in 2023 as they defeated Devon by a history-making margin to lift the National Counties Championship title at West Bromwich Dartmouth Cricket Club. They had only lifted the Eastern Division 2 title at Tring Park Cricket Club just twelve months earlier. A spell of ten wins and just three defeats in a four-year period highlights the consistency in performance in the red ball game.

Wins over Surrey and Leicestershire in the newly introduced National Counties Showcase fixtures were also added to the CV. Maybe the lesser known statistic that Hampton's last delivery claimed a wicket, while his last scoring shot was a six may not feature!

But what was the biggest achievement in seven seasons?

It's an obvious one but winning the Championship last summer. It was something we really targeted as an opportunity for success and the whole squad bought into that and worked extremely hard for three years to get there. It will forever be one of my proudest moments.

And what will be the legacy from his time at the helm?

Great question, and one that may be answered better by someone else. I'd like to think that I helped create a desire to play for Bucks, and to perform for Bucks to help win games as individuals and as a side. I’ve always taken pride in giving 100% as a player and with that I like to try and ensure all those 1%s are ticked off and taken care of. I think that alongside the management group we helped to change the culture of the side and make it a far more professional squad who took pride in doing the right things. On the back of this the side became more competitive and had some success over the years, which was hugely pleasing, and ultimately why we play sport.

Despite the joys that silverware brings, what other highlights were there for the skipper, personally, which may not be evident or obvious.

For me, seeing players perform and develop. I won't single any out because the list would be too long, but the squad is full of brilliant cricketers who have worked seriously hard to become top performing NCCA players. Which is why I have no doubt the squad is in a superb place to go on and win further silverware over the next few seasons. I can't wait to look on from the sidelines and watch the squad continue to develop.

Since making the decision, and now that has taken time to sink in, what will Hampton miss most about Bucks Cricket.

All of it to be honest, but the biggest things will be those individual good days,  even though they became few and far between by the end. There is no better feeling than impacting games of cricket and helping the county win matches. On a personal note it, was pleasing to have had some good days this year, a six for 53 against Berkshire in the 50-over, and to get a fifer against Bedfordshire to give us a chance going into the last game. But more than that I will miss the guys. It’s a great group and we spend a lot of time together, so losing that will be hard, but I do look forward to watching them from the sidelines with a beer.

So what next awaits the outgoing captain? And does going into coaching hold any temptations?

I'll still be playing club cricket and hoping that this decision will mean I can keep performing at a decent level for a few more years to come on a Saturday, Coaching is of interest, but think that is for down the line slightly when the playing side eases off.

And what would be a summary of Hampton's last seven seasons, in his own words?

Captaincy was never something I had given much thought and I probably wasn’t the obvious candidate, so I thank Jason for giving me the opportunity because I’ve loved every minute of it. To Jason, Stan (Simon Stanway), the management and coaching team, all the players past and present, plus those behind the scenes who have supported me, a huge thank you for your efforts. I hope that I have left the county in a better place than when I took it on, and I challenge all the players to keep building on that and never take it for granted.

Commenting on Hampton's decision to stand down, Jason Harrison, who had been with him as a player, Head Coach and now Head of Performance, said.

When we appointed Tom as County Captain we all new the qualities he had in terms of personal performance. What has equally shone though has been his ability to bring a team together, good enough in 2023 to be the best red ball team in the country at National Counties level. I can't thank him enough for all the time and commitment he brought to the role. Players loved playing under him with his calm but steely approach, always looking to push a game forward no matter what the situation .

Fast bowlers are generally an unfashionable choice as Captain - 2 showcase victories, Division Two and Division One titles, plus a County Championship under his watch, shows you our quickie was very much in the fashion!

As Bucks Cricket Men's 1st XI move into a new era, there is no doubt Hampo will be missed.