Adams was born in Gravesend in Kent. He made his debut in the 1836 season and is known to have made 157 appearances in matches which were later given first-class cricket status between 1836 and 1858. He played for Kent both before the first county club was formed in 1842 and afterwards for Kent County Cricket Club. He stood as umpire in 20 top-class matches from 1852 to 1865.[2]
Adams is believed to have laid down the wicket at the Bat and Ball Ground in Gravesend in 1845 and operated the ground, possibly along with another a local cricketer William Smith. This formed the basis of the ground which was used by Kent for county matches between 1849 and 1971.[3][4] He died at Gravesend in 1894 aged 83.[5]
Notes
^Due to incomplete scorecards from the mid-19th century, the number of balls bowled and bowling average are approximate
^Due to incomplete scorecards the number of runs conceded is unknown