The Journey of James Munting
Manly Warringah District Cricket Club | February 01, 2026
James Munting’s cricketing journey is one defined by perseverance, adaptability, and consistent excellence at the highest levels of club cricket.
A Manly junior, Munting’s early development was shaped not only on the northern beaches but also abroad, spending part of his teenage years living in the United Kingdom. That experience broadened his cricketing education before he returned home to Manly, where his senior career began in earnest. At the start of the 2003/04 season, he made his fifth-grade debut under the guidance of Steve Gazmelski, marking the first step in what would become a steady and impressive rise through the ranks.
Through dedication and performance, Munting worked his way up the grades to establish himself as a mainstay of Manly’s First XI. His impact was felt across formats, highlighted by his contribution to Manly’s First Grade T20 premiership triumph in the 2009/10 season. His consistent performances did not go unnoticed, earning him selection in the NSW Second XI and placing him firmly on the radar beyond club cricket.
Seeking new challenges, Munting moved to South Australia ahead of the 2012/13 season. The decision proved immediately successful, as he played a pivotal role in Glenelg’s First Grade premiership-winning campaign. His standout performance came in the grand final, where he claimed remarkable figures of 6 for 40, a spell that proved decisive and underlined his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
That performance earned Munting a call-up to the South Australian state team at the beginning of the 2013/14 season. While he did not take a wicket at that level, he acquitted himself admirably, particularly with the bat. Batting at number eleven, he remained unbeaten against a Mitchell Johnson operating at the peak of his powers—a bowler who would later go on to terrorise England during his famous Ashes campaign that same season.
Munting returned to Manly for the 2014/15 season, where he once again played a key role in the club’s success. Opening the bowling, he was part of the team that secured another First Grade premiership, further cementing his legacy at the club. Over the course of his career, he contributed to multiple club championships, becoming a reliable and respected figure within the Manly setup.
He retired at the conclusion of the 2015/16 season, leaving behind an outstanding record. Munting finished his career with 294 wickets at an average of 22, including career-best figures of 8 for 29. Beyond the statistics, his career is remembered for its consistency, resilience, and his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most—hallmarks of a distinguished club cricketer and a true Manly stalwart.
