James MacDonald (cricketer)

James Macdonald (17 September 1906 – 8 March 1969) was an Irish cricketer. MacDonald was a left-handed batsman who bowled slow left-arm orthodox. He was born at Comber, United Kingdom (today Northern Ireland).

Macdonald made his first-class debut for Ireland against Wales at Ormeau, Belfast in 1926. He made thirteen further first-class appearances for Ireland, the last of which came against Scotland in 1939.[1] In his fourteen first-class matches, he scored 622 runs at an average of 23.92, with a high score of 108 not out.[2] This score, which was his only first-class century, came against the Marylebone Cricket Club in 1936.[3] An all-rounder, MacDonald took 35 wickets at a bowling average of 25.45, with best figures of 5/33.[4] These figures, which were his only first-class five wicket haul, came against Scotland in 1933.[5]

He died at Bangor, Northern Ireland on 8 March 1969. He was survived by his brother Thomas, who also played first-class cricket for Ireland. James had two other brothers George and Norman. Norman was born in 1914,saw active service in the Pacific at a Commander in the Royal Navy and died in 2014.