James Douglas Sheahan Neesham, more commonly known as Jimmy Neesham, is a talented cricketer hailing from New Zealand. Born on September 17, 1990, in Auckland, Neesham is an all-rounder who has showcased his prowess with both bat and ball on numerous occasions.
Neesham’s journey in cricket has been nothing short of remarkable. Although he faced a moment of doubt in his career and contemplated retirement, he managed to bounce back and etch his name in New Zealand cricket history. One of his most memorable performances came in the 2019 World Cup, where he nearly delivered the trophy to his country.
Throughout the tournament, Neesham exhibited exceptional skills with both bat and ball. In the final against England, he proved to be a game-changer, claiming three crucial wickets and producing the final-ball run out that tied the scores after 50 overs. In the Super Over, Neesham was entrusted with the bat and astonishingly scored 13 runs off just 5 balls, including a massive six off Jofra Archer. Although the final result did not favor New Zealand, Neesham’s contribution was vital and showcased his immense talent.
Neesham made his international debut in a Twenty20 international match during New Zealand’s tour to South Africa in 2012-13. Prior to this, he demonstrated his skills in the domestic season, which earned him the opportunity to represent his country. He initially played for Auckland but made a move to Otago, which proved to be beneficial for his career development.
During the 2011-12 season, Neesham delivered important performances in the 50-over format. He impressed with three scores of 40 or more in seven innings, all achieved at a quick run rate. Furthermore, his bowling skills shone through as he secured a career-best 5 for 44 against Wellington and 4 for 23 against Canterbury. These standout performances paved the way for his selection in New Zealand’s limited-overs squads for the tour to South Africa.
In February 2014, Neesham solidified his presence in the cricketing world when he scored a century on his Test debut against India. He was also present when his skipper, Brendon McCullum, achieved his historic Test triple century. Furthermore, Neesham became only the eighth player in Test history to score centuries in his first two Tests, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with. His outstanding century against West Indies in Jamaica further cemented his reputation as a rising talent.
Despite narrowly missing out on selection for the 2015 home World Cup, Neesham continued to work hard and excel in cricket. He experienced disappointment as he watched from the stands when Grant Elliott secured a spot in the final with his iconic six against South Africa. However, Neesham used this setback as motivation to improve.
After being dropped from the one-day side following the 2017 Champions Trophy, Neesham contemplated retirement. Fortunately, he received support and encouragement from those around him, which pushed him to take a break from the game instead. His return to cricket in 2018 was nothing short of spectacular, as he dominated domestic one-day cricket with remarkable performances. With an average of 62.87 and a strike rate of 110.79, he scored 503 runs and once again earned his spot in the New Zealand squad.
Neesham’s comeback was acknowledged with two impressive innings in his first two ODIs back in January 2019, scoring 47 not out from 13 balls and 64 from 37 balls. These performances sealed his place in the 2019 World Cup squad, where he played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s journey to the final.
With his exceptional performances, Neesham has undoubtedly established himself as an integral part of New Zealand cricket. Known for his skills as an all-rounder and his ability to turn games around, he continues to contribute to his team’s success. Neesham’s resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers, proving that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible in the world of cricket.
