James Wells (cricketer)

James Wells (dates of birth and death unknown) was an English cricketer. Wells was the brother of cricketer John Wells.

Wells made his first-class debut for a team representing Hampshire against an early England team. From 1783 to 1789, he represented Hampshire in 5 first-class matches where he scored 62 runs at a batting average of 8.85.[1]

Wells also represented Surrey teams in 9 first-class matches, the first of which came in 1823 against a Kent team. In Wells' 9 matches, he scored 156 runs at an average of 11.14, with a single half century score of 80 against Hampshire.[2] His final match for Surrey came in 1800 against England.

Wells also played a single first-class match for a side representing Kent in 1793, against the Marylebone Cricket Club. In addition to playing first-class cricket for the above sides, he also represented Hampshire and Sussex, TA Smith's XI, N to Z and England.[3]

In his overall first-class career, he scored 261 runs at an average of 8.15, with a single half century score of 80. In the field he took 4 catches.[4]

Wells' first-class appearances total depends on whether it was he or John Walker who played for All-England against Hampshire in 1794: S&B records Wells but adds that Walker is included in another account. It is possible that Walker was selected and Wells stood in for him.[5]