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Ahead of Hampshire’s trip to Nottinghamshire, Jimmy Adams reflects on a remarkable double-ton in 2006
It’s hard to believe that Jimmy Adams’ highest first-class score of 262 not out came at Trent Bridge ten years ago, and for no one more than the former Hampshire captain himself, who is set to revisit the ground in the Specsavers County Championship this weekend.
A decade on, and with 200 first-class appearances to his name, Adams is able to reflect on the stand out innings of a loyal career spanning 15 years at Hampshire – an astounding double-ton against Nottinghamshire in July 2006 that displayed all of the batsman’s grit, determination and finesse.
Facing 446 balls during ten imprerious hours in the middle, Adams scored 34 boundaries and two maximums against Notts to etch his name into Hampshire Folklore.
“That knock is certainly up there,” Adams said. “I’d scored my first hundred at Headingley a few weeks before and I was in a good place. I remember it being a good wicket and you just get in the zone.
“There’s something so satisfying about when the psychological advantage switches from the bowler to the batsman. It’s like being in a computer game - you feel twice as big as the guy at the other end.
“It’s crazy thinking I’ve got 200 first class appearances and that the 262 was ten years ago, but it’s great to still be involved and amongst the runs.”
In 2014, Adams surpassed 10,000 first-class runs for Hampshire before scoring his fifth double-ton for the club, and he continues to lead the batting with strong contributions.
Born in Winchester, Adams’ devotion to Hampshire is still a major driving force and, having represented the county since being a junior, it is his closeness with the club which spurs him on to succeed.
“Being a Hampshire boy is what pushes me forward and keeps me going really,” he said. “I always wanted to crack county cricket and the driver has always been to have success here. It’s unbelievable thinking I’ve been here 15 years.
“My career started when the The Ageas Bowl became Hampshire’s home and it’s been great to see the developments of this wonderful ground. I’ve only ever wanted to play for this club.
“I work best when I feel comfortable in a place and that’s certainly the case here.”
At the time of his double-hundred in 2006, Adams had been inspired by senior players like Shane Warne, the same way that recent academy graduates such as Tom Alsop, Joe Weatherley and Brad Wheal can benefit from Jimmy’s experience.
“Nothing helped me more than when Shane would look me in the eye and say, ‘Come on mate, you can do this today’. That would give you a huge boost - it felt like you’re tyres had been pumped up.
“It was like having a coach alongside you and I hope I’m able to transfer some of that to the younger guys now.”
Hampshire evaded relegation from County Championship Division One last season with a late burst and, currently bottom-placed, it is going to take a similar effort from the players this summer.
The dressing room is full of experienced players and recent performances have boosted confidence ahead of the team’s crucial encounter at Trent Bridge; Hampshire have the chance to leapfrog Notts with an away victory.
“There’s nothing stopping us from doing what we did last year,” Adams said. “Every team has a lot to play for and Notts are certainly one of those teams. Suddenly, one win could boost us and the standings can shift so quickly.
“What happened last year has filled the group with the feeling that we can do it again. We’re playing good cricket and there’s a great spirit, so we just need to find the next gear and string some results together."
