Andre Adams today hailed his unexpected call to Essex colours as a massive shot in the arm.

The enthusiastic 29-year-old New Zealand Test all-rounder confessed he was languishing in cricket's wilderness before he received the call from Graham Gooch and Ronnie Irani to come and throw in his lot with the three Seaxes.

He promptly celebrated his arrival in mid-July with a maiden First Class century in his adopted county's first Championship win of the season, against Leicestershire at Grace Road.

The right-handed batsman and fast-medium bowler said: "Coming to Essex is a big opportunity for me to improve my game.

"It has brought out the best in me and really sparked up my game after two years in the wilderness playing league cricket where I was just growing stale.

"My highest score last year was only 26 yet in only my second outing for Essex I scored a century - I'd been playing seven years attempting to achieve that."

His previous cricketing experiences involved one Test appearance for the Kiwis and spells with his native Auckland and Herefordshire, plus the Lancashire and Nottingham leagues. He has also won 31 One-Day International caps with New Zealand.

And when the chance to come and play county cricket for Essex came his way Adams jumped at it.

"I never imagined myself being signed-up as an overseas player when you look at the calibre of some of the world-class players who have played for English counties over the years," he said. "It's a massive break for me and scoring that century was not only great for me, but great for the team.

"While I'm over here I'm looking to make the most of what I've got. If I'm going to play cricket I want to play as high up the ladder as I can."

Essex's Championship promotion hopes took a knock yesterday when the second day of their clash with Durham was abandoned due to rain. Durhamwere due to resume today on 170-6.

Published Friday August 20, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo