Jimmy Adams


James Clive Adams is a former Jamaican cricketer, who represented the West Indies as player and captain during his career. He was a steady left-handed batsman, useful left-arm orthodox spin bowler and good fielder, especially in the gully position. He was also an occasional wicketkeeper when required. He was the head coach of Kent County Cricket Club for five seasons between 2012 and October 2016.
He retired from all cricket in 2004 after a twenty-year career, ending with a Test batting average of 41.26 with a highest score of 208 not out against New Zealand at St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda in 1995.
In addition to his playing and coaching credentials, Adams was appointed chairman of FICA in May 2009, replacing the South African great Barry Richards. Adams held this role until March 2017 when he was replaced by Vikram Solanki, Surrey CCC's head coach.

Domestic career

Adams was called into the Jamaican squad for the 1984/85 season as a teenager and enjoyed a good if unspectacular start to his first-class career. He continued his cricket career for a couple of years after the year 2000, captaining South African provincial team Free State and making guest appearances for Lashings World XI in England.

International career

Making his mark

Although it wasn't until the 1991/92 season that he was called into the West Indies Test squad for the first time, making his debut against South Africa at Bridgetown, Barbados. In his opening twelve matches Adams scored 1,132 runs at a batting average of near 87, a record bettered only in the history of Test cricket by Australian Sir Donald Bradman. In the first half of his Test career, Adams averaged 61.34 compared to 25.58 in the second half, this differential is the largest in Test history. In the mid-1990s he began to struggle at international level. In a tour match against Somerset, he was hit by a bouncer by bowler Andre van Troost, shattering his cheekbone. In 2005 and 2006 he played for Dunstall CC in the Derbyshire League.

Captaincy

Adams was appointed as West Indies captain in 2000, replacing Brian Lara. He would not last long: after leading the team to a 5–0 series loss on the 2000/01 tour of Australia after the tour he lost both the captaincy and his place in the national team. News of his impending termination was broken to Adams by friend and national TV reporter, Peter Furst. Adams simply responded, "Have you heard something I haven't?" He then reflected on his career, saying that whatever happened it had all been a blessing – both the good and bad.
He was head coach at Kent County Cricket Club for five seasons between 2012 and 2016.