James Neesham is a New Zealand international cricketer who plays all three formats of the game. He is a left-handed all-rounder, known for his powerful hitting and medium-pace bowling. Neesham was born in Auckland, New Zealand on September 17, 1990. He played domestic cricket for Auckland before making his international debut for New Zealand in 2011.
Neesham was born to parents Mark and Debbie Neesham. He has two older siblings, brother Michael and sister Sarah. Neesham attended Auckland Grammar School, where he excelled in both cricket and rugby. He was a member of the New Zealand Under-19 cricket team that won the World Cup in 2010.
Neesham is married to Brittany Neesham, and they have a young daughter named Ella. Neesham is also a keen golfer and fisherman.
Neesham made his first-class debut for Auckland in 2009-10. He quickly established himself as a valuable member of the team, with his all-round skills. In 2011, Neesham was selected for the New Zealand Twenty20 International team against South Africa. He made his debut in the second match of the series, and scored 29 runs off 21 balls.
Neesham made his One Day International (ODI) debut for New Zealand against Sri Lanka in February 2012. He took two wickets in the match, including the wicket of Mahela Jayawardene. Neesham made his Test debut for New Zealand against India in February 2014. He scored 37 runs in the first innings, and took one wicket in the second innings.
Neesham has played 121 ODIs for New Zealand, scoring 2,629 runs at an average of 25.33, and taking 101 wickets at an average of 30.83. He has scored four centuries in ODIs, including a career-best of 142 runs against Sri Lanka in 2019. Neesham has also taken five-wicket hauls in ODIs against England and India.
Neesham has played 73 T20Is for New Zealand, scoring 902 runs at an average of 23.64, and taking 48 wickets at an average of 25.00. He has scored two half-centuries in T20Is, including a career-best of 60 runs against India in 2020. Neesham has also taken four-wicket hauls in T20Is against Australia and the West Indies.
Neesham has played 12 Tests for New Zealand, scoring 508 runs at an average of 23.36, and taking 24 wickets at an average of 36.25. He has scored one century in Tests, a career-best of 100 runs against Pakistan in 2014. Neesham has also taken five-wicket hauls in Tests against England and India.
Neesham has captained the New Zealand A team and the Wellington Firebirds in domestic cricket.
Neesham has been involved in a few controversies over the years. In 2014, he was fined for using abusive language towards an opponent during a domestic match. In 2019, he was fined for making a homophobic gesture on social media.
Jimmy Neesham is one of the most exciting and talented all-rounders in the world game. He is a valuable