Richard Edwards talks to Hampshire veteran Jimmy Adams, who is raring to go for his 18th season of competition
Few players in county cricket are as well-versed in the vagaries of preseason preparation as Jimmy Adams, the former Hampshire captain.
He returned to report for action for the 18th year in succession in 2018, after dispelling rumours that he would call it quits at the end of last season.
Ask him to sum his pre-season up, though, and his language is succinct. “Damp,” he laughs. “I’ve not seen anything like it. I haven’t got the best memory these days but I really can’t recall one so wet.”
The rain and the storm clouds that have severely limited all county preparations so far this season could be seen as a metaphor for the gloom that threatens to envelop the county game.
The build-up to the season has been dominated by the decision of some players – including Adams’ county team-mate, Reece Topley – to turn their back on the four-day game and focus purely on white ball cricket.
Topley’s decision was primarily down to a need to maintain and restore his physique, with the left-armer refusing to rule-out a return to the Championship. Others, though, have signalled their intentions very clearly.
So does one of county cricket’s most likeable and respected figures believe that English cricket is witnessing a sea change in attitude towards the game’s traditional four-day format?
“The four-day game – and I think I speak for a good number of people – if you’re fortunate to still be in the mix at the end of the year, then I think it still holds a huge amount of kudos,” the 37- year-old tells The Cricket Paper.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 06,2018-Ausgabe von The Cricket Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 06,2018-Ausgabe von The Cricket Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.