WEST INDIES legend Jimmy Adams has been named as the new Kent coach.

The post attracted applicants from all over the globe, but Kent chiefs have trusted Jamaican-born Adams to bring success to the St Lawrence Ground.

Adams, who works with Kent skipper Rob Key as a Sky Sports pundit, played 54 Test matches and 127 ODIs for the West Indies during a nine-year international career, culminating in his appointment as captain.

He ended his Test career with a batting average of 41.26 and a highest Test score of 208 not out.

Adams retired in 2004 and has since coached the West Indies under-19s and been the technical director of Jamaica cricket.

The Kent job will be his first coaching role in county cricket.

"I am delighted to be given this opportunity as head coach at Kent," he said.

"They are a county with a proud history and tradition. I look forward to working towards further success in the year to come and can't wait to get started."

Chairman Graham Johnson said: "I believe we have run an extremely thorough process to select our new head coach and are delighted that Jimmy will take up the position.

"He has a strong desire to see young players develop and this shone through in our discussions with him.

"He also has a tremendous amount of experience from his time in international cricket – particularly as captain."

Adams is no stranger to the county, having turned out for Maidstone-based all stars team Lashings.

Kent get the new County Championship season underway with games away at Yorkshire (from April 5) and Northamptonshire (from April 12). Their first home game at Canterbury against Gloucestershire starts on April 19.