James Neesham, a prominent New Zealand all-rounder, has made significant contributions to international cricket. His career highlights include participation in the 2019 World Cup and a memorable super over appearance alongside Martin Guptill in the final.
Wiki/Biography
Born on Monday, September 17, 1990, in Auckland, New Zealand, James Neesham’s zodiac sign is Virgo. He received his education at Auckland Grammar School. Interestingly, he considers himself a Chris Hemsworth look-alike and goes by the nickname “Jimmy Neesham”.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 6’2″
- Eye Colour: Brown
- Hair Colour: Brown
Family
James Neesham identifies as a Christian. Details about his immediate family remain relatively private.
Career
Neesham’s cricketing journey began in 2011 with the Auckland domestic team. His impressive performances in 50-over matches, consistently scoring over 40 runs in his first three innings, quickly caught attention. His bowling prowess was equally evident, with notable achievements such as 5 for 44 against Wellington Firebirds and 4 for 23 against Canterbury.
These strong performances led to his selection in the New Zealand Twenty20 squad against South Africa. His contributions earned him a spot in the Cricinfo Champions League T20 XI, where he was named both Man of the Match in one game and Find of the Tournament.
His Test debut arrived on February 14, 2014, against India. He scored a remarkable 137 runs, setting a record as the highest-scoring debutant at the number 8 position. This crucial contribution secured New Zealand’s victory.
His IPL journey included stints with the Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders, although injury unfortunately hampered his time with KKR.
Further enriching his career, he played for Derbyshire and Kent County Cricket Club in the NatWest T20 Blast series (2016 and 2017). He signed a one-year contract with the Wellington Firebirds in June 2018, a team he’d faced in his debut match back in 2011.
He holds the record for the most runs scored by a New Zealand player in a single over—an astounding 34 runs, including five sixes, against Sri Lanka in January 2019. This remarkable feat significantly contributed to his selection in the New Zealand 2019 World Cup squad, marking his 50th ODI match. During the tournament, he achieved his first international five-wicket haul against Afghanistan, also reaching his 50th ODI wicket.
Controversy
In April 2019, a tweet about a controversial run-out involving MS Dhoni sparked considerable online debate. Neesham initially expressed his view on the decision, but later deleted the tweet and clarified his position, opting out of further discussion.
Favourite Things
Here’s a glimpse into James Neesham’s preferences:
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Batsmen | MS Dhoni, Martin Guptill |
| Bowler | Tim Southee |
| Cuisine | Chinese |
| Singer | Celine Dion |
International Debut
- T20: December 21, 2012, against South Africa in Kingsmead, Durban, South Africa
- ODI: January 19, 2013, against South Africa in Boland Park, South Africa
- Test: February 14, 2014, against India in Basin Reserve, New Zealand
Facts
Beyond cricket, James Neesham enjoys golf and rugby. He is actively involved in campaigns against child labor, supporting various NGOs. A dog lover, he has adopted a dog and affectionately refers to himself as its father. He’s also a keen basketball fan, regularly attending Los Angeles Lakers games.
