James Franklin is a left-arm medium-fast bowler who can swing the ball. He was first picked up for the one-day side in 2000-01 and some Test series against Pakistan the same year. Originally he is a player with batting potential. A player with international ability, Franklin can be confidently expected to regain his place and play a significant role in New Zealand's future, and his chances were improved when called up to the Test squad during the 2004 England tour for the last Test at Trent Bridge. He bagged the Man--of-the-Match title in the NatWest Series match against England, taking a best of 5 for 42 at Durham.