Jimmy Adams has announced his retirement within 24 hours of fellow Hampshire legend Sean Ervine.

The 37-year-old made his Hampshire debut 16 years ago and, having excelled both as a player and as club captain in that time, has made the decision to call time on his career following the conclusion of this year’s campaign.

Adams has played more than 450 matches for Hampshire, scoring 19,601 runs across all formats so far, including 27 centuries and 108 fifties.

He and Ervine have been an integral part of several one-day triumphs in recent years too, winning 50-over trophies in 2009 and 2012 whilst also contributing to two T20 titles in 2010 and 2012.

A four-day title as skipper also came in 2014 when Adams led a strong Hampshire side to the top of County Championship Division Two, securing promotion to the first-class top-tier, where they’ve remained for the past three seasons.

Adams said: “When I first grew up watching the game as a youngster, I had hopes and aspirations to play for Hampshire, but I never thought I would end up having the honour of representing this wonderful Club for the last 16 years.

“I have made great friendships and shared some fantastic experiences in that time and I’m immensely proud of what the club has accomplished, but I feel the time is right to hang up my boots at the end of the year and allow others the opportunity for success.

“From everyone at the club, to fans, friends and family, the support I’ve received throughout these 16 years has been incredible – I still have a few games in me to finish off this season and I’m looking forward to these next few weeks, where I’m sure I’ll have the opportunity to thank you all and look ahead with excitement to the next chapter.”

Director of cricket, Giles White said: “Jimmy has been an integral part of the Club since he made his debut in 2002 and he’ll be greatly missed both professionally and personally. He has been a wholehearted and selfless cricketer who’s had a wide-ranging influence both on and off the field.

“It hasn’t just been about the runs and the trophies, it’s about the way he has gone about it. Jimmy is a genuine team player and that’s the reason he’s held in such high regard by fans, players and coaches. We would all like to thank him for the fantastic contributions he’s made throughout his career, both as player and captain.”