James Averis

James Averis

Personal information
Full name	James Maxwell Michael Averis
Nickname	Fish
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Batting	Right-hand
Bowling	Right-arm medium
Domestic team information
Years	Team
1997– 2000	Oxford University Cricket Club
2000– 2006	Gloucestershire
Source: espncricinfo.com, September 2006

James Maxwell Michael Averis (born 28 May 1974 Bristol, England) is a retired English cricket player who played for the cricket teams of Oxford University and Gloucestershire. He also played professional rugby for Harlequins and Bristol.

Early Life

He attended Bristol Cathedral School and afterwards Oxford University on a Major Stanley's scholarship where he won blues at rugby and cricket in the same academic year.

Rugby and Cricket Career

James Averis built a reputation as a solid one-day performer, and in 2001 was able to take advantage of an injury-stricken Gloucestershire attack to make a major breakthrough into the Championship side. A stocky, powerful seam bowler, he was the club's highest wicket-taker in the National League and Championship that year.

One of several graduates in the Gloucestershire squad, Averis gained a prestigious reputation as a sportsman at Oxford. He was awarded blues in cricket and rugby, and represented Bristol Rugby Club before settling on cricket.

Bristol-born, he found himself thrown into the one-day side at the peak of its success at the turn of the century and did not disappoint. He claimed 29 National League victims in 2000, and continued performing well in a less successful team performance in 2001. He also managed to hold his nerve in tense moments of the cup competitions.

His pace was a fairly constant 80mph, though he developed a slower ball with the help of former team-mate Ian Harvey. Due to this lack of pace, he relied on accuracy and late movement, as well as the surprise slower ball, to claim most of his victims.

An invaluable squad member, he was a reliable fielder and looked as though he genuinely enjoys his cricket. After a few years of Gloucestershire released Averis in 2006 after ten years at the club, so that he could concentrate on his Law degree.

Outside Sport

James Averis is now a geography teacher at Clifton College Preparatory School in Bristol. He continues to coach cricket and rugby to the boys there as well as his normal teaching duties.