James Neesham, a promising all-rounder, marked his entry into the world of one-day international cricket in early 2013, when he made his debut against South Africa. In his first 14 ODI matches, he showcased his abilities with a high score of 42 not out and delivered his best bowling performance with figures of 4-42.
The step up to Test cricket came in February 2014 when he earned his Test cap against India. It was in this debut Test match that he not only made his presence felt but also etched his name in the record books by scoring his maiden century. Neesham’s performance left an indelible mark, and he went on to achieve another remarkable feat by scoring a century in his second Test match. This made him the first New Zealander to achieve the milestone of scoring centuries in both of his first two Test matches. His consistency and ability to rise to the occasion reflected his potential as a valuable asset in the world of cricket.