Hampshire club legend Jimmy Adams will leave the county after more than 25 years as player and coach.

The 46-year-old has agreed a new role in Australia with Tasmania having coached for eight years at the Utilita Bowl.

Adams retired from playing cricket in 2018 after making 462 appearances for Hampshire across all formats, scoring 19,723 runs.

“I’ve been lucky enough to fulfil a dream and I’ll be following Hampshire for the rest of my life,” he told the club website., external

“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. I’ll be coming back to support the team and see everyone in the not too distant future.”

Adams was born in Winchester before coming through the ranks at Hampshire and making his debut in 2001.

The opening batter captained the county between 2012-15 and lifted five trophies there during his time as a player.

In 2022 Adams was named lead batting coach with the Hawks, winning the men’s Vitality Blast that same year.