Adams stays at Sussex in amazing U-turn

Chris Adams: staying put with Sussex © Getty Images

Sussex's Championship-winning captain, Chris Adams, has performed a remarkable U-turn and will not now be joining Yorkshire for the forthcoming season.

Adams, 36, was unveiled on November 1 as Yorkshire's captain and director of Pro-Cricket, on a four-year contract, but having sized up the task at hand, it appears he has decided it is "too much, too soon".

"The club are shellshocked by Chris's decision to remain with Sussex," said Yorkshire's chief executive, Stewart Regan. "Having spent time with him last night when he presented his thoughts on the future to the Yorkshire playing squad it came as a great surprise this afternoon to hear of his change of heart.

"We offered him the chance to carry on with his playing career whilst providing the opportunity he desired to move into a managerial role. It is a big job, that is true, but, Chris and our board felt that it was a challenge he was up to and it is very disappointing that he will now not be coming to Headingley Carnegie.

"I appreciate his honesty in advising us of his decision before moving to the club. The board will be reviewing the options tomorrow morning but remain committed to the structure announced on November 1".

A press release from Yorkshire added that the playing squad and staff were told of Adams' decision late on Tuesday afternoon, and that there was genuine disappointment at the news. Adams will now honour the remainder of his contract at Sussex, and will look to move into a management role when the time is right.

Understandably, the mood at Sussex was jubilant. "When Chris informed us that he would not be taking up Yorkshire's offer Sussex we were thrilled at the news," said Gus Mackay, their chief executive. "Chris has been so much a part of the Sussex success story that although we wished him well with his new venture we knew he would be missed. We are all extremely pleased that he will remain a Sussex man".