HAMPSHIRE'S Jimmy Adams has agreed to play for Dorset CCC in this season's Minor Counties one day competition.

Having made one appearance for Dorset in 1998, the Winchester-born star will once again join up with former coach Alan Willows, who coached Adams at Sherborne School.

The left-handed batsman will juggle his time between the two counties, playing for Dorset when he is not tied up by his Hampshire commitments.

Adams, 27, made his first-team debut for Hampshire in 2002 and has since played in 64 first-class matches, averaging 33.80 with a highest score of an unbeaten 262.

However, he has struggled to make an impact in the one-day side, averaging 18.08 in only 14 innings for the county.

"I've not been playing too much one-day cricket for Hampshire over the past few seasons, so when Willows asked me if I would be interested I thought it would be a good opportunity for me," Adams explained.

"Hopefully if I can perform it will benefit Dorset, as well as my chances of playing more one-dayers for Hampshire in the future."

Adams has represented England at under-15 and under-19 level, before captaining Loughborough University in 2003 when he made his first of four first-class centuries. He was also voted Hampshire's young player of the year in 1998.

"He will open the batting, and bring class and stability to Dorset's batting line-up," said team manager Sean Walbridge.

"This goes to show that Dorset CCC are very ambitious in our aims for the season."

Dorset begin their season again-st Wales on April 27 in the Minor Counties knock-out competition. The venue is yet to be confirmed.