James entered the international arena in the winter of 2002/3 when England's bowling force was decimated by injuries. Just 12 months after playing League cricket in Lancashire, he became a regular in both England's one-day and Test sides. Starred in the World Cup, particularly against Pakistan in Cape Town, where he won two man-of-the-match awards and looks set to spearhead England's attack for many seasons to come. Took five wickets on his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2003.

An ODI hat-trick - the first by an English bowler - followed against South Africa at The Oval.  No sooner had he returned home, though, than he broke down with a stress fracture of the lower back, ruling him out of the 2006 season.  He was thrown back in at the deep end in Australia for the series opener at Brisbane and suffered acutely for his lack of match practice.  By the one-day series, however, he had rediscovered some of his best form, only to be rested as a precaution ahead of the World Cup.  Shortly before England's opening match he broke his finger and although he played through the pain he was never at his best.