Hampshire batsmen Jimmy Adams is to retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2018 season. Moreover, his long-time team-mate Sean Ervine has opted to quit the game with immediate effect, while on loan to Derbyshire.
The 35-year-old Zimbabwe cricketer, Sean Ervine, who announced his decision on Twitter, was just two games into an initial 28-day loan. Adams, who spent four years as county captain, and Ervine both won three List A and two T20 trophies.
Hampshire director of cricket, Giles White said that Jimmy Adams had been an integral part of the side. He also shared high regards for the veteran cricketer.
“Jimmy has been an integral part of the club since he made his debut in 2002. He’ll be greatly missed both professionally and personally. He has been a wholehearted and selfless cricketer who has had a wide-ranging influence both on and off the field,” Giles said.
Jimmy Adams, who will turn 38 this year, has scored 19,601 runs across all formats for his home county. He admitted that he never thought he would play cricket for so long in this club.
He also added that he is immensely proud of what his club have achieved.
“I never thought I would end up having the honour of representing this wonderful club for the last 16 years,” Adams said. “I have made great friendships and shared some fantastic experiences in that time. I’m immensely proud of what the club has accomplished,” he added.
Ervine played five Tests and 42 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe before ending his international career in 2004, made 15,400 runs for Hampshire in all competitions, while also taking 373 wickets.
He made 51 in his two appearances for Division Two side Derbyshire and did not take a wicket.