James Kerr Fuller is a talented cricketer hailing from England, known for his bustling all-round skills, genuine pace, and ability to hit big shots in the late innings. Born on May 1, 1990, Fuller kickstarted his cricketing journey in New Zealand, representing Otago before utilizing his British passport to secure stints with various English counties such as Gloucestershire, Middlesex, and Hampshire.
Fuller’s initial years in the West Country were met with both praise and infamy. He impressed many with his skills, particularly with his ability to move the ball as a tall and lively seamer. However, he gained notoriety when he was hit for a whopping 38 runs in a single over by Scott Styris during a T20 quarter-final at Hove. Despite some early struggles with injuries, Fuller made a strong impact whenever he took the field. His hat-trick against Worcestershire at Cheltenham in 2013 showcased his bowling prowess and cemented his reputation as a formidable player.
In 2015, Fuller played a crucial role in Gloucestershire’s victory in the Royal London Cup. He contributed with two wickets in the final against Surrey, which further showcased his potential as an all-rounder. However, it was Angus Fraser, the then-Director of Cricket at Middlesex, who recognized Fuller’s white-ball attributes and persuaded him to join the county.
During his debut season with Middlesex in 2016, Fuller showcased his skills primarily in T20 matches. Although he only played three Championship matches, he made his presence felt by taking five wickets on his debut against Hampshire and forming a remarkable ninth-wicket partnership of 162 runs with James Harris as Middlesex secured a thrilling two-wicket win against Somerset at Taunton. His contributions during this match proved to be a crucial turning point for Middlesex’s successful title-winning campaign.
In recognition of his outstanding performances, Fuller received a surprise call-up to represent the England Lions in the United Arab Emirates at the end of the 2016 season. Unfortunately, his following year was marred by an elbow injury, forcing him to undergo surgery and preventing him from bowling a single ball in the first XI.
Despite the setback, Fuller continued to excel on the cricket field. In 2018, he made the decision to move to Hampshire, becoming his third county in four years. At 28 years old, Fuller brought his impressive tally of 141 first-class wickets, earned at an average of 33.06, to join Hampshire, a county in need of English-qualified seam-bowling resources. The following year, he became a regular member of Hampshire’s white-ball teams, often featuring as a number six batsman and occasionally contributing with his bowling skills.
James Kerr Fuller’s cricketing journey has been defined by his versatility and ability to make an impact with both bat and ball. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, he has consistently demonstrated his passion, determination, and commitment to the sport. As he continues to evolve as a player, his skills and contributions to the game are eagerly anticipated by cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
