Shane Warne won't be the only man in Hampshire charged with flicking the coin against county opposition next season, as Jimmy Adams has been chosen to captain the highly-successful Loughborough University side.

And the Winchester-born left-hander, who broke into the Hampshire first team at the end of last season after impressive displays for both the University and Hamp-shire's second eleven, had an even bigger boost yesterday as Loughborough were awarded first-class status by the ECB for the coming season.

"It's brilliant news," Adams said. "The guys worked really hard last year and reaped the rewards on the pitch, with wins over all the other uni teams.'

Director of cricket Operations at the ECB, John Carr, announced: "The board's cricket advisory committee made this recommendation to the management board, in recognition of the outstanding progress made in such a short time at the Loughborough UCCE, and the very good performance of the team in 2001 and 2002."

Loughborough, for whom Hampshire's John Francis and Chris Benham also play, will become the fourth of the new cricketing centre of excellence teams to play first- class games against the counties, joining Oxford, Cambridge and Durham.

"We won all the major competitions last year," Adams added, "so I think being awarded the new status is well deserved.

"Hopefully, the county sides will take things even more seriously on the pitch, and it gives a raised impetus for us, knowing that people will take a bit more notice of good performances.'

Adams had already accepted the captaincy when offered by Loughborough head coach Graham Dilley but will now be the first man to lead the side with its new-found standing.

"It's a real honour to captain the team, and we'll hopefully manage to knock over a few of the counties, as well as continuing to do well in the uni competitions," he said.

The talented 21-year-old, who made 49 on his first-class debut against Sussex, will return to Hampshire in June after the university fixtures have finished and attempt to gain a regular first team spot.

Adams explained: "There's going to be plenty of competition for places next season but if I put runs on the board and play well, I'll be able to push my claims."