Adams BRIDGETOWN, CMC:
FORMER JAMAICA and West Indies captain Jimmy Adams named current skipper Brian Lara and retired fast bowler Courtney Walsh Monday as having the "biggest influences" on his cricketing career while pointing out that another former regional captain, Rohan Kanhai, was his mentor.
Adams made the revelations in a moving lunchtime ceremony staged by the University of the West Indies (UWI) to honour him on the third and final day of the first-class match between a UWI Vice-Chancellor's XI and Australia at the 3Ws Oval, Cave Hill, here on Monday.
"I would like to personally say to Brian Lara who is here, Brian it was tremendous playing with you.
"I think yourself and Courtney Walsh were the biggest influences on my cricket career on the field, and I would like to say thanks to Rohan Kanhai, who was my mentor. He not only taught me how to play the game but he loved me while he taught me how to do it and I owe him probably everything I have achieved in cricket," Adams said to warm applause in the presence of both teams and many spectators in front of the Hall of Fame.
"It's a real honour to be here today and when you look at those who have been so honoured before, Sir Vivian Richards heads the list, and to be added to that list is indeed an honour," said Adams, who was presented with a plaque by UWI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rex Nettleford.
In thanking God, his parents, the Jamaica and the West Indies Board, and the University, Adams also praised the Australians who were represented at the function.
"I think you have done a tremendous job in the last six or seven years," Adams said of the Australians, "but I hope one day to see West Indies back on top."
Principal of the UWI Cave Hill Campus and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hilary Beckles, noted that the honouring of Adams was taking place on a day when Barbados celebrated National Heroes Day a public holiday here.
"We are also doing what we are doing because for us cricket has always been more than just a magnificent game," Beckles said.
"We wish to celebrate on this day, a citizen, in whose spirit this game we love has found dignified expression. It is entirely fitting, for many reasons, that Jimmy should be honoured here, in this place, in this company, on this day," Beckles said.
"He knows that we love him. "Sir Frank Worrell, who is here with us, (pointing to his bust), would have recognised him as a son, decent to the core, honourable to the vein, and one of the finest ambassadors of the tradition of the gentleman player we wish to uphold and celebrate."
