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Emotional Adams signs off

Image: Adams: Stepping down as captain

An emotional Chris Adams was thrilled to end his long spell as Sussex captain with a trophy as he handed over to Michael Yardy.

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Long-term skipper stepping down at Sussex with Yardy taking over

An emotional Chris Adams was thrilled to end his long spell as Sussex captain with a trophy as his old mate Murray Goodwin provided a sparkling innings to give the Sharks the Pro40 League title. 38-year-old Adams announced that he would be stepping down as skipper after 11 season at the helm, and handing over responsibility of leading Sussex to Michael Yardy. Adams has led Sussex to three County Championship titles in six years and he added another trophy when Goodwin smashed a six off the final ball to beat Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. The highly unlikely victory helped the Sharks beat Notts to the Pro40 League title and also gave Adams a perfect send-off as he prepares to step down at the end of the season. "It's been a fantastic journey and it was really important for me that we won this particular trophy for the development of the club," said Adams. "That's the third different competition I've won while I've been captain here, and it's a great time to bow out with that under my belt."

Right time

Adams felt that after 11 years in charge it was time to step down as captain at Hove, but he will see-out the last year of his contract as a batsman. As well as guiding Sussex to the only three championships in their history, Adams won the C&G Trophy in 2006, but now a new era will begin with Yardy and Adams says he is the right man for the job. "I felt the wind of change was blowing about six or seven weeks ago and I know it's the right time to step down," Adams explained. "There are a lot of good young players coming through the system now. "Mike Yardy is his own man who will bring a lot to the side and to the development of the cricket club." Yardy admitted he had big boots to fill but is excited to be taking the helm in the future. "It's a fantastic honour - and although it's sad to lose such a great captain, I'm excited by the opportunity," said Yardy.
Youngsters
"The make-up of the team is changing with some young lads coming through. "I'm looking forward to the challenge and if the lads play as well for me as they have for Chris, my job will be easy." Goodwin and Mohammad Sami's unbeaten ninth-wicket partnership of 99 in 10 overs ensured a winning end for Adams. 35-year-old former Zimbabwe international Goodwin has played for Adams in all three County Championship successes and it was fitting that he blasted Susses to the win for his skipper. "About 40 minutes before the end I was trying to work out how I should congratulate Notts on their victory - and I can't begin to analyse that finish," Adams added. "Murray has been an amazing cricketer for Sussex and is a truly world-class batsman. It was an incredible game and a privilege to be part of."

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