Jimmy Adams (WI)
"In the first half of his career, Jimmy Adams generated phenomenal statistics. After 12 tests, only Bradman had a better record than his 1132 runs at 87" - A simple statement, taken from his profile on Cricinfo, which more than adequately expresses his abilities of a batsman at the beginning of a career with the West Indies that extended to 54 tests and 127 one day internationals. They don't quite tell the full story of what a versatile cricketer he is though - at the start of his career, he was also selected as a wicketkeeper as much as a batsman (he kept wicket in 26 ODIs), he was an excellent outfielder and was also more than handy with the ball, grabbing 70 international wickets with his left arm tweakers. As if that wasn't enough, he was also captain of the West Indies for 15 tests and 26 ODIs, although he was unlucky to be at the helm when the West Indies started their steep decline, forcing him to adopt ever more defensive tactics. This had an effect on him as a batsman as well, leading him to be described somewhat unkindly as "a master of the barnacle-on-rock school of batting" and acquiring the nickname "Padams". However, since joining Lashings way back in 2001 he's proved himself to have an outstanding range of shots, as well as the ability to take important wickets when it matters - something he proved for Lashings in 2007 as he ensured Dorridge CC collapsed from 137/2 to 181 all out, taking 4/44 in the process. "Gentleman Jim" was also part of the Lashings World XI team that played in Abu Dhabi in February 2008.
Click here to see Jimmy's profile on Cricinfo (opens in new window)
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