IT might be three years ago since legendary New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming led Nottinghamshire to their first County Championship title in 18 years.

But the man who captained at Trent Bridge for three seasons is keeping everything crossed that they can do it again, 12 months after he moved back to his homeland.

That glory came in his first season of a three-year stint but now, under the stewardship of Chris Read, Notts are one game away from lifting the biggest prize in domestic cricket.

And one man to play a major part is Fleming's former New Zealand team-mate, Andre Adams.

After a stint last season helping Notts out of Division Two while registered as an overseas player, the 33-year-old has been allowed to use his West Indian parentage to re-join as a Kolpak player back in May.

And he has delivered 27 wickets at an average of 18.51 going into today's final clash with Hampshire, knowing victory hands them the Championship.

As he woke yesterday, he did so to a text from his former Notts and Black Caps skipper, wishing Notts all the best.

Adams said: "I got a text from Flem yesterday saying good luck and stuff. He does not ring every day but he keeps an eye on what is happening.

"Notts holds a special place in his cricketing life. He loved it here and the guys loved him and it was a first time for me to see him as a cricketer so relaxed.

"To see him be part of a team where he is allowed to be himself rather than the face as captain was great."

This season, the first since Fleming left, Notts have finished runners-up in the Pro40 Division One, agonisingly missing out on the title on the final ball of their last game against Sussex.

But under Read's captaincy, the side has flourished and could deliver the biggest prize of all over the next four days at Trent Bridge.

Adams said: "They are big shoes to fill of Flems, widely regarded as the best captain in the world. On and off the field it is a tough one to emulate.

"But Reado does not even try to do that, he has been himself and has good control over what has been happening.

"The bowlers have delivered for him, he has made some canny changes and scored some runs himself with the bat.

"He has a good head on his shoulders, he knows what he is doing and everyone believes in him."

But Adams is quick to play down his crucial role with the ball, opting to pass the credit to opening pair Charlie Shreck and Darren Pattinson.

"The average of mine is nice but bowling after Charlie and Darren is always nice," he said.

"You do not seem to be bowling at opening batsmen that often, they seem to drop quite well.

"They swing the ball nicely and are aggressive and the opponents know they have that to come for say 12 overs and then I come on and do my bit.

"But I am conscious of doing my bit. I am keen to keep my reputation up as a quality bowler.

"The bowlers have been exceptional this year. We have bowled teams out regularly and Ealham has come on and the only game we were not taking any wickets, he has taken seven wickets.

"It is a good bowling attack to be part of and I almost forgot (Stuart) Broady was part of our squad because I have not played with him.

"I saw him the other day and it is nice to have him as part of the team but to have an international out and not be missing him is great.

"He is a fantastic bowler when he comes in and plays but it is nice not to have to rely on him."

Now all Adams is focusing on is a chance of glory.

He added: "We are in a position where we can win and it is up to us now. You do feel nerves to start with but once you get on the park it is a lot easier because you just concentrate on what you are doing.

"It is nice to have guys who know how to win games and how to win Championships.

"Hampshire were in the relegation zone for quite a while but have some quality players like Pothas who, if they get away, they can score quickly.

"We are quite aware of their threats and Chris Tremlett can bat as well as bowl.

"We had a chance of two titles, now it is one and hopefully we can grab hold of it.

"It is nice to have the title in our hands. We would like to finish on a high and I have never won a county championship before so it would be great to add that to my CV."