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By Adam Ellis

Hampshire opener Jimmy Adams has admitted the upcoming season will probably be his last as a player.

Speaking after scoring an unbeaten 182 against Cardiff MCCU, the 37-year-old said he will evaluate his future mid-way through the season as his contract at the Ageas Bowl comes to its end at the end of September.

“I’ll have a better idea halfway through the season but it probably is – unless I channel a bit of Kumar Sangakkara!” Adams told the Southern Daily Echo.

“If that does happen maybe I can go again. I’ll play it by ear but I’m at ease with whatever happens whereas for a number of years I’ve feared it coming to an end and put myself under additional pressure. I’m at peace either way.”

After the departure of long-term opening partner Michael Carberry to Leicestershire, Adams will be joined at the top of the order by former Kent captain Sam Northeast and South Africa star Hashim Amla.

Ahead of opening Hampshire’s County Championship campaign on Friday against Worcestershire, Adams said his 182 not out was a welcome boost.

“I didn’t make many (3 & 19) against them last season so it’s good to get runs behind me and spend some time in the middle,” Adams said.

“Hopefully I’ll make the team for the first part of the year. On paper it’s as strong a Hampshire squad as I can remember.

“As well as being very good players, Sam [Northeast] and Hashim [Amla] seem like very good people to add to the pot.”