Huddersfield-born, James first represented Yorkshire at Under 14's level in 2014. He has represented Yorkshire at Under 14s, 15s, 16s and 17s, and debuted for the Academy in 2017 and the second team in 2018. His highest score of 162 came in only his second appearance for the White Rose seconds at Kibworth in September 2018.
He learnt his trade at Scholes Cricket Club in the Huddersfield League, and he has also had England North representative honours at Under 15s and Under 17s.
His main role whilst progressing through the various teams has been as an opening batter. Now aged 22, James was handed his maiden first-team opportunity in two Blast clashes in 2020, debuting in a Roses defeat at Headingley that September.
After a fantastic 2023, which included a spectacular maiden T20 100 at Headingley and four First Class 50's, James will spend the winter in Perth, Australia playing 1st Grade cricket.