James Clive (Jimmy) Adams (born 9 January 1968 in Port Maria, Saint Mary) 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.

[edit] 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, 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 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.

Adams was appointed as West Indies captain in 2000, replacing Brian Lara. He would not last long as captain, leading the team to a 5-0 series loss on the 2000/01 tour of Australia; after the tour he lost both the captaincy (to Carl Hooper) and his place in the national team.

He continued his cricket career for a couple of years after this, captaining South African provincial team Free State and making guest appearances for Lashings World XI in England. 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 2005 and 2006 he played for Dunstall CC in the Derbyshire League.

Adams can often been seen commenting on cricket for Sky Sports in the UK.

[edit] Career bests

[edit] Tests

Test Debut: vs South Africa, Bridgetown, 1991/92
Last Test: vs Australia, Sydney, 2000/01

• Adams' best Test batting score of 208 not out was made against New Zealand, St. John's, 1995/96
• His best Test bowling figures of 5 for 17 came against New Zealand, Bridgetown, 1995/96
• His Test captaincy record was: 15 matches, 4 wins, 8 losses, 3 draws

[edit] One Day International

ODI Debut: vs Pakistan, Sydney, 1992/93
Last ODI: vs Australia, Melbourne, 2000/01

• Adams' best ODI batting score of 82 was made against Australia, Port of Spain, 1998/99
• His best ODI bowling figures of 5 for 37 came against Pakistan, Adelaide, 1996/97
• His ODI captaincy record was: 26 matches, 10 wins, 14 losses, 2 no result

[edit] First-class

• Adams' best first-class batting score was 208 not out
• His best first-class bowling figures were 5 for 17

[edit] List A Limited Overs

• Adams' best List A batting score was 112
• His best List A bowling figures were 5 for 36

[edit] External links and references

• Cricinfo player profile of Jimmy Adams
• Jimmy Adams Management
• HowSTAT! statistical profile of Jimmy Adams

v • d • e West Indies squad – 1996 Cricket World Cup (Semi Finals) 1 Richardson (c) • 2 Adams • 3 Ambrose • 4 Arthurton • 5 Bishop • 6 Browne (wk) • 7 Campbell • 8 Chanderpaul • 9 Cuffy • 10 Gibson • 11 Harper • 12 Holder • 13 Lara • 14 Walsh

v • d • e West Indies squad – 1999 Cricket World Cup 1 Lara (c) • 2 Chanderpaul • 3 Powell • 4 Campbell • 5 Williams • 6 Bryan • 7 Jacobs (wk) • 8 Simmons • 9 Ambrose • 10 Walsh • 11 Adams • 12 Arthurton • 13 Dillon • 14 Perry • 15 King Hooper was named in the original squad, but was replaced by Powell following his retirement