Paul Adams broke onto the scene as an 18-year-old with his "frog in a blender" action that so tormented England when they visited South Africa in 1995-96. The action itself contributed to his burgeoning wicket-haul for at least a year as batsmen were hopelessly caught in the blurry glare of the impossible contortion. But as soon as the element of surprise wore off, Adams often suffered for a lack of variety and his appearances for South Africa grew fewer. When first discovered by former South Africa great Eddie Barlow, Adams knew nothing of googlies and chinamen, calling his deliveries simply "inspinners" and "outspinners". His head pointed skyward at the moment of delivery, yet he appeared to be able to change his trajectory if the batsman used his feet. Although photographic evidence suggested otherwise, Adams said he could see enough of the batsman to know what he was doing. His career was hampered by injury at crucial times, and he lost his No. 1 slow-bowler spot to Nicky Boje, but no left-arm spinner has taken more Test wickets for South Africa. However, his last Test appearance came in 2004 and then South Africa looked elsewhere on a permanent basis. He even drifted out of first-class cricket before announcing his retirement in October 2008. Known as Gogga, meaning insect, or simply Goges to his friends, Adams was a bundle of energy, with a taste in music some of his team-mates found hard to understand.
Neil Manthorp