HAMPSHIRE captain Jimmy Adams admitted he had never seen a county bowler as fast as Fidel Edwards until this week’s win against Sussex.

Former West Indies star Edwards finished with 5-58 as Hampshire secured their first LV County Championship win of the season.

It included an opening spell of 3-16 from seven overs on day two at Hove, during which Edwards reminded Hampshire fans of the days when the likes of Malcolm Marshall and Andy Roberts were running in for the county.

Adams said: “He probably struggled in his first two spells on day one but his first spell on Monday night was serious pace.

“It’s up there with anything I’ve seen. You could see the passion, he was loving it and that was a huge fillip for us.

“With the wind downhill it was his day. It was great to be at mid-off rather than having to face it! It was intimidating.”

Edwards’ best figures since taking 6-90 for the West Indies against Bangladesh in November 2012 has given Hampshire belief that they can continue to be a force in division one.

“Fidel brings something different, he’s a real asset,” said Adams. “You know what you’re going to get. You might get a few runs flying around –and his over rate at times is a pain! - but there’s always a chance of a wicket.”

With Edwards bowling bouncers at more than 90mph, a backstop was even stationed behind Adam Wheater. “I haven’t set a field like that since under 10s!” laughed Adams. “But when Wrighty (Luke Wright) decided he was going to have a go there was as much chance of the ball flying there as anywhere else.”

The partnership of 165 between Adam Wheater (111) and Gareth Berg (99), who also excellent with the ball (5-108), set up the win after Sussex collapsed to 251 all out in the first innings.

“At 202-4 we could have let game drift but got two wickets in quick succession and Bergy and Wheats were outstanding,” continued Adams.

“Those little passages of play which we haven’t previously had this year added up to a really good win.

“We were way off the standards we expect against Worcester last week but dug deep and turned it around. The guys caught exceptionally well, we held all the slip catches that came our way and that makes such a big difference.

“To get the first Championship win is a relief as well because it’s the start of June - but there’s never been any doubt from us.” Hampshire’s next Championship match is at home to Somerset from June 21.