Wisden overview
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, yet Adams never developed an aura to match his average. Born in Jamaica to a pair of doctors, he grew up as a clinical left-hander, willowy and strong off his legs, whose unblinking concentration shone out through a string of big hundreds and not-outs. In the mid-'90s, however, he suffered a crisis of confidence, a problem that may have stemmed from an unfortunate incident on the 1995 tour of England. Batting in fading light, Adams ducked into a bouncer from Somerset's Andre van Troost, shattering his cheekbone. An increasingly defensive player, especially when facing spin, he proved just as negative in his tactics when appointed captain in 2000. A sharp catcher in the gully, his left-arm tweakers remain a handy sideline. Simon Briggs

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