Adams, 46, was Hampshire’s club captain from 2012 to 2015 and has been involved in their coaching staff since the end of his playing career in 2018, initially as second-team coach. He has since worked as their batting coach, and also stood in as head coach for the Metro Bank One-Day Cup in 2025, when Hampshire reached the final.

Hampshire were losing T20 Blast finalists this year but were relegated in the County Championship after finishing bottom of Division One. Their young batters have largely struggled to kick on under Adams’s stewardship, with only three players – Jake Lehmann, Nick Gubbins and Ben Brown – scoring 500 Championship runs this season.

Cricket Tasmania are yet to confirm the specific details of Adams’s new role, but Hampshire confirmed his departure on Friday afternoon.

“I’ve been lucky enough to fulfil a dream, and I’ll be following Hampshire for the rest of my life,” Adams said. “I’m going to an exciting, new challenge, but I don’t see it as an end, and I’ll be following Hampshire and wishing the guys well. It’s been a tough decision to leave, but I think the timing’s right, and it gives me a chance to test myself elsewhere.

“I want to give a big thank you to everyone for their support over the years, especially Giles [White, director of cricket] and the coaches and players I’ve had the privilege of working with, and I’ll be coming back to support the team and see everyone in the not too distant future.”

White said: “We’re sad to see Jimmy Adams leave, but delighted for him and the Adams family as they embark on an exciting new opportunity in Australia with Tasmania. A fantastic player, captain and coach for the club over 25 years, Jimmy has embodied our values throughout his time here.

“His incredible work ethic and selfless approach have been evident in every role he has undertaken, and he will be greatly missed. We wish Jimmy and the Adams family every success and happiness and look forward to welcoming him back in the future.”