An energetic seamer and useful lower order batsman, James Harris was an early developer as a cricketer. He was the youngest person to appear for Glamorgan 2nd XI when he turned out in 2005 at the age of 14 years and 353 days, and a month later he was the youngest to appear for Wales Minor Counties, taking 3 for 48 against Netherlands. In 2006 he signed a contract with Glamorgan despite being just 15, and in the same year captained England Under-16s. He made his debut aged just 16 and a few weeks later became the first 17-year-old to take a seven wicket haul in the Championship. He was rewarded for his promising debut season with a trip to India in late 2007 as part of the England Performance Programme squad, and was part of the England squad for the Under-19 World Cup in 2008.

Harris's early promise led to an England Lions call-up to face the Australians in 2009 and in the same season he managed 41 Championship wickets - second only to Robert Croft in Glamorgan's ranks. Harris was a revelation the following season, storming to 63 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls, although his form was not enough to secure the Division Two title. He hit the ground running in 2011 too, quickly moving to the top of Glamorgan's wicket tables.
Martin Williamson June 2011