Adams the lad

Jimmy Adams is the popular choice to become the new West Indies captain.

That's according to a phone-in poll by WEEKENDSPORT yesterday in the aftermath of Brian Lara asking not to be considered for the captaincy position he held for the last two years.

A 20-man training squad is assembling in Jamaica today for a training camp ahead of the opening Test against Zimbabwe starting March 16, and the selectors are studying their choices before meeting on Monday to make their recommendation.

Adams, a 32-year-old Jamaican whose place in the team is increasingly questioned because of his declining batting, was chosen by 54 (36.7 per cent) of the 147 respondents.

There was almost a dead-heat for second place between former captain Courtney Walsh and the untried Sherwin Campbell.

Campbell, a former Barbados and West Indies Youth skipper who has been the West Indies' premier opening batsman since his debut in 1995, polled 35 votes (23.8 per cent) and Walsh 34 (23.1 per cent).

Wicket-keeper Ridley Jacobs, who has hardly put a foot wrong since his belated entry to international cricket, was the favourite for the vice-captaincy.

In this race, the 31-year-old Antiguan received 28.8 per cent of the votes, coming ahead of Adams (20.33 per cent) and Campbell (23.72 per cent).

The poll, which was done between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. yesterday, received wide-ranging responses from 78 males and 69 females.

Adams was identified by many callers as the most suitable candidate because of the leadership qualities, level-headedness and commendable showing as captain in the One-Day International series against Australia last year.

There were many who believed he would get the job by default. They simply felt that no one else was suitably 'qualified'.

'The rest are simply non-starters. We need someone with a high degree of maturity and Adams is the only logical choice,' said Ronald Lashley.

The majority of those supporting Walsh said the appointment of the 37-year-old Jamaican would be a short-term measure.

It was suggested that the veteran fast bowler be made captain for just a series or two with an understudy being groomed to take over for the summer series of England.

As a result, the names of Jacobs and Campbell, two players who do not lead their regional teams, were recommended for the post of vice-captain.

His experience and his previous stint as captain also weighed in Walsh's favour.

'He has given so much service to West Indies cricket and it would be a fitting tribute if he could break the world record as captain,' said retired headmaster John Blackman.

'Jacobs will eventually take over but Walsh deserves another chance after the way he was treated the last time.'

Another popular suggestion was that a new guard be appointed.

As a result, a leadership combination of Campbell and Jacobs was put forward by many callers.