Jimmy Adams Looks Ahead to the New Season

Following a successful 2014 campaign which saw Hampshire promoted to the top tier of English cricket, as well as reaching yet another T20 finals day, Club Captain Jimmy Adams is ‘extremely excited’ by his side’s chances ahead of the upcoming 2015 season.

The Hampshire skipper led the side to the LV County Championship Division Two title last year, and amassed more than 1200 runs on the way. After such a successful campaign last year, both for himself and for the county, the opener is looking for another competitive and positive year ahead.

‘We go into every season looking to compete at all levels, and this year is no different to that. I’d like to think that we can perform and do well in all three formats of the game, another finals day would be nice too.’

‘Obviously the minimum is to stay up but I do really believe that we’ve got a group that can go a lot further than just that this season.’

The 34-year-old is also setting a few personal benchmarks which he hopes will translate to team victories throughout the year.

‘I’d probably set myself the target of at least 1000 first-class runs, I think a player who aims to play in all four-day games, that amount would be achievable, but the main target for me is to contribute and remain consistent throughout the course of the summer.’

After last season’s success, there is real ambition around the club and his side’s chances should be aided having been able to retain a large number of the squad’s core, as well as making some exciting new additions this off-season.

The experienced Andre Adams and Gareth Berg have been added to the ranks for 2015 as well as youngster Brad Wheal and overseas pace bowler Jackson Bird, and Adam’s hopes the new signings will all have a big impact this year.

Words: Will Brewster 

Despite new names arriving at The Ageas Bowl this winter, the skipper also knows how important it is for more house-hold names to keep performing consistently following last year’s promotion.

‘I’m looking forward to playing with some new faces but it’s also the old ones who need to perform as well. It’s going to be good going forward this year competition wise too.’

With the squad now set for the season, Hampshire look to start their campaign positively in pre-season friendlies before facing off against Sussex, who they meet at The Ageas Bowl on April 12th in the first County Championship game of the new season.