Wisden overview
Paul Adams broke onto the scene as an 18-year-old with his "frog in ablender" 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. When first discovered by former Springbok great Eddie Barlow, Adams knew nothing of googlies and chinamen, calling his deliveries simply "in-spinners" and "out-spinners". His head seems to point skyward at the moment of delivery yet he appears to be able to change his trajectory if the batsman uses his feet. Although photographic evidence suggests otherwise, Adams says he can see enough of the batsman to know what he is doing. Injuries at crucial times have hampered his career and allowed Nicky Boje to claim the No. 1 slow-bowler spot for a time, but no spinner has taken more Test wickets for South Africa. Known as "Gogga" (meaning "insect") or simply "Goges" to his friends, Adams is a bundle of energy, with a taste in music some of his team-mates find hard to understand. Neil Manthorp

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